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Putting time and resources into building a luxurious outdoor space has several benefits. Of course, it increases your property’s value and makes neighbors pine over your sprawling estate, but it also goes beyond that. Surprisingly, a high-quality outdoor area can boost your overall quality of life by improving your health and creating new memories you’ll cherish for many years to come. Below we take a look at how indulging in a well-designed outdoor space can benefit you both mentally and physically.
Quality of Life for Your Health
As you get older, it’s crucial to stay on top of your health so you can be around to watch your grandchildren grow. Luckily, spending time in your outdoor space, or the outdoors in general is an easy way to ensure you’re maintaining your mental and physical health. Take a look below at some of the benefits mother nature has in store for you.
Boosts Vitamin D
When you step outside and soak in the sunlight, your skin absorbs vitamin D. Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is an essential nutrient that boosts your immune system, prevents bone loss, and reduces the risk of heart disease, among other benefits.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety
If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, going outside and relaxing in your gorgeous, well-designed backyard can help ease your worry. How much time should you spend outdoors to reap these benefits? According to a study published in Scientific Reports, people who spent at least 120 minutes a week in nature saw an improvement in their physical and mental health, compared to those who didn’t spend time outdoors at all.
When it comes to your outdoor space, there are elements you can include to improve your well-being even more. Installing well-appointed features such as a koi pond or lavish waterfall garden can provide extra tranquility during life’s twists and turns.
Improves Mood
Sunlight triggers the release of certain hormones in your brain, particularly serotonin. Serotonin is a natural mood stabilizer, which helps a person feel calm and focused. Your serotonin levels drop if you don’t get enough sunlight exposure. As a result, these low levels can cause seasonal affective disorder, which is a condition that triggers depression when seasons change. Seasonal affective disorder is most common around winter, so it’s a good idea to soak up the sun in your outdoor space as much as you can during this time.
Increases Sleep Quality
Do you usually sit in front of a TV when you’re unwinding at night? If so, you could be actively hurting your sleep quality. The blue light emitting from phones, computers, and TV screens can suppress your body’s ability to produce melatonin — the hormone responsible for helping you sleep. As a result, it can take longer for you to fall asleep.
Swap the electronics for a good book and comfortable outdoor chair on your patio or deck. The darkness and ambient noises outside can help relax your body, produce melatonin, and prepare you for a peaceful night’s sleep. For those colder nights, warm up in style with a luxurious fire pit table that’s built to last and easy to use.
Quality of Life for New Experiences
Whether you want a place to relax, cook, eat, socialize, or exercise, a high-quality outdoor space can help you create new experiences and memories that’ll no doubt improve your quality of life. Start brainstorming ideas like these below so you can begin maximizing your outdoor area.
Living Space Expansion
An outdoor space is an extension of your home, so you should think about expanding this area with patio furniture that’ll be enjoyed by family and friends year after year. When it comes to designing your patio or deck, there’s really no right or wrong way to do it. What you include in your outdoor space depends on your interests and lifestyle. Do you throw get-togethers frequently? If so, furnish your space with a comfortable conversation area where guests can lounge and mingle. Installing a state-of-the-art outdoor bar and kitchen area is another great idea, especially if you love hosting formal wine tastings or catered charity dinners.
An Area to Stay Active
Exercise is essential for a high-quality life, and you have plenty of options to stay active in your backyard. Gardening is a great way to get your heart pumping while maintaining your yard’s beauty. In fact, you can burn anywhere between 200–500 calories per hour, depending on the work’s intensity. You can also consider building a deluxe tennis court, lap pool, or another sports-related area to stay active. Plus, it would be much more convenient than driving to your country club. For something a little less intense, clear a peaceful space where you can lay down a mat and practice yoga with your private instructor.
A Place to Escape & Decompress
Sometimes, you need to get away and relax. A well-designed outdoor space can be your perfect oasis from the stress of daily life. Koi ponds and butterfly gardens are premium outdoor features that add peace to your day. Japanese Zen gardens have been around for hundreds of years and can help you unwind through the power of mediation. You also can’t go wrong with a hot tub area. It’s perfect year-round, and you can choose to relax by yourself or with friends from your country club.
A Play Area for the Grandkids
If your grandchildren visit often, don’t let them sit around on their phones the whole time. Encourage them to head to the backyard and enjoy the fresh air.
There are plenty of amenities you can add to your outdoor space that your grandkids will love. A custom treehouse is a fun feature the kids will enjoy for hours on end. It can also be something as simple as a swing or bocce ball set. If you want something everyone can enjoy, a private swimming pool is one of your best options. Pools are a lot of work, though, so hire a professional to maintain your pool regularly.
Conclusion
Whatever you decide to do with your outdoor space, it can greatly improve your quality of life. Also, it’ll give your home some serious curb appeal that your neighbors will definitely notice. Be sure to set up an appointment with your decorator to help you design an ideal outdoor space that’s tailored to your family, home, and lifestyle.
Check out the POLYWOOD blog for more articles on outdoor spaces.