Creating an outdoor space for your health

Why should you create an outdoor space that you enjoy spending time in? Because it’s good for your health!

We all know the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But did you know that spending time in your backyard can also benefit your mind, body, and soul in a positive way.

Forest bathing, or the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku, encourages people to spend time in nature, no actual bathing is required. Numerous studies have shown significant physical and mental benefits from spending time outdoors. According to a 2019 study, scientists examined the physiological and psychological effects of a day-long session of “forest bathing” on a group of people at working age. The results demonstrated significant positive effects. Amongst men and women, there was a significant decrease in blood pressure and an increase in positive mood states. Spending time in nature also aids in recovery from stress and fatigue, as well as improvements from depressive symptoms.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers amazing places to visit to get outdoors and benefit from nature. But how about bringing the outdoors home? Creating an outdoor space at your home does not have to be a full outdoor renovation. Perhaps you just need a few key pieces of furniture or an outdoor grill or fire pit to create a space that you can practically enjoy at your own back door.

In a fast-paced world, where busy schedules are esteemed and screens are almost unavoidable, stress and fatigue, both mental and physical, are experienced by many. Negative news from mass media outlets or social media posts can take a toll, inducing anxiety and depression. The health benefits that nature provides is a pressing need. You can buy the supplements, spend time at the gym or eat that apple a day, but don’t forget to spend time relaxing outside in nature, especially, right out your own back door.