Really? Can an outdoor living space help in gaining better health? Yes.
One big way is to create an environment, at least at home, that helps reduce stress and other negatives which do not contribute to our well being. There are many “someday” or “nice to have” or “wanted not needed” projects on our to-do list. It can take a lot of convincing and persuading ourselves to move those projects onto a “must have” list. Like many people, time, energy, and resources are limited. So before taking on a project, it needs to be imperative — you want compelling reasons why an outdoor living space at your home should become a priority. That is the basis of the research that has become this blog post.
It should come as no surprise that taking time to sit outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature is good for your health. Many people know about the benefits of gardening. But you may be surprised at why having your own outdoor living space is the preferred way to improve the many areas of your health.
So keep reading to learn nine plus surprising health benefits derived from spending time in an outdoor living space, as well as a few steps that will help with motivation to start or enhance your patio, garden, or outdoor living space for better health.
Reduce Inflammation:
Increase Vitamin D Levels
Between work, commitments, and sleep, it can be hard to find time to soak up the sun. Fortunately, just 15 minutes of sunshine a day can increase your vitamin D levels and help you feel better. Vitamin D not only reduces inflammation but it increases calcium absorption, leading to stronger, healthier bones. It’s also valuable for preventing feelings of depression and increasing positive emotions. So instead of eating at a desk or in front of the television or inside your dining room or den, enjoy your meal on your patio, or lay down for a nap in a hammock. Take your morning coffee outside and greet the day. All you need is 15 minutes.
Reduce Inflammation:
Breathe Fresh Outdoor Air
Another way to reduce inflammation is to breathe in organic airborne chemicals produced by certain trees called phytoncides. And fresh outdoor air is full of phytoncides – they help our bodies to increase production of the NK white blood cells that kill infected cells within us. High levels of phytoncides come from common oak, cedar and pine trees. What a benefit if you have these types of trees on your property! If not, consider planting some. Your local Garden Clubs of Roanoke or in your locale can help with the selection of these types of trees. And there is more than one health benefit to having trees in your yard — keep reading.
Reduce Inflammation:
Practice “Earthing” or “Grounding”
A third way to reduce inflammation, is to practice “earthing” or “grounding”. Grounding or earthing refers to direct skin contact with the surface of the earth, such as with bare feet or hands. The earth supplies the body with negative electrons and neutralizes damaging free radicals linked with chronic inflammation, according to a published study about earthing at the National Institute of Health. But for a variety of reasons, many individuals are reluctant to walk outside barefoot. So give yourself and others permission to kick off your shoes and walk on the patio and across the lawn, walk barefoot to water your lawn or garden, play with the kids barefoot. Think of it this way — walking barefoot has the blessing of science!
Prevent Nearsightedness
On average, Americans spend around 6 hours and 43 minutes per day watching electronic screens, including TV, computers, smartphones, and tablets.That’s a lot of screen time! For children, spending more time outdoors has been linked with a decrease in the development of nearsightedness. In adults, spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce the eye strain, stress, and headaches associated with “computer vision syndrome.” Viewing objects at a range of distances is one of the best ways to maintain eye health, especially for those who use electronic screens daily.
Outdoor living spaces help you to focus on beautiful flowers and plants in your close range of vision and zoom out to birds and faraway views. In adults, there’s good evidence to suggest that spending time outdoors could help slow the natural deterioration of aging vision. So set up a birdbath or a feeder and watch the show from your deck or patio. It’s a great way to get rid of those glasses!
Sleep Better
Blue light from television screens, tablets, and cell phones has the potential to suppress melatonin production and throws off your circadian rhythm. It can disrupt the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep we humans need. Turning off devices and lights can lower your blood pressure and allows your body to prepare for sleep. And when you turn off your devices, where can you go? Outside!
Enjoying the night sky on your patio, in a hammock, or sitting around a warm soothing outdoor fire can help us unplug, slow down, and decompress to the sights, sounds, and aromas of our backyard.
Reduce Stress
Being outside in nature can reduce your heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. Simply breathing in fresh air is one of the best ways to boost your mental health and reduce stress levels. Studies have reported a 13% drop in cortisol levels, and a 6% decrease in pulse rate. In Japan, a forest bathing trip called “Shinrinyoku” is a short, mindful visit to the forest and is regarded as being similar to natural aromatherapy. Now forests occupy 67% of the land in Japan so forest bathing is easily accessible. If you are fortunate enough to live near woods, you can breathe in those phytoncides and reduce your cortisol levels. And if you have your own trees, that’s even better! Otherwise, having a beautiful, serene, safe space in your own backyard makes it easy to unwind on your schedule and pace.
Improve Your Memory
Our offices, cars, gym, or even our homes are where routine, productivity, and work are the priorities . . . and where thoughts and meditation can be interrupted. A University of Michigan study found that memory improved by as much as 20% after spending time sitting or walking in nature. When I worked in corporate America I regularly spent time in my office, the bathroom, the stair case, an empty conference room to practice presentations and speeches. Guess where I learned is the healthiest place to practice? Outdoors! Before studying or preparing for a meeting, spend some quiet time on your patio to clear your mind, settle your thoughts, and focus.
Strengthen Relationships
Spending time together in nature increases cognitive function which can help in thinking and communicating more clearly. Communication and interaction are keys for successful relationships. Now, we expect that our homes are designed to provide that interaction and communication. But again, so many families are plugged into the tablet, the TV, the phone that little personal interaction takes place. We can make it easier. While an outdoor space can simply be an extension of your home offering additional square footage, a space that’s designed for specific activities can give you and your family more areas to interact and play together. For example, an outdoor kitchen area for the foodies, or a fire pit for storytelling, or a sand pit for games. Create outdoor spaces that encourage talking.
Live Longer
A study by the University of East Anglia found that increasing the time you spend outdoors reduces the risk for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and premature death. And who doesn’t want that? The research team studied data from 20 countries including the UK, the US, Spain, France, Germany, Australia and Japan and gathered evidence from over 140 studies involving more than 290 million people to see whether nature really does provide a health boost. Guess what they found? The study cited exposure to outdoor environments as increasingly recognized as a treatment to both preventing and helping treat disease. Additionally, older adults who spend time outdoors heal faster and get more exercise. So contemplate, exercise, eat or socialize for at least an hour a day on your patio.
Add Value
Installing an outdoor living space is one of the biggest home improvement trends coming out of the COVID pandemic. This space can be adapted specifically for the needs of the homeowner and family:
- As a garden room
- An outdoor kitchen or bar
- A seating area
- A patio for entertaining
- Even as an outdoor home office
A recent survey conducted by HomeLight indicated that adding just a deck to your backyard can lead to a 109% return on your investment. No matter what you and your loved ones enjoy doing, there’s a way to shape your outdoor living space into your lifestyle.
Improve Work Productivity
Studies have shown that employees who spend just 29 minutes a day outdoors can increase their productivity by 45%. Time outdoors reduces mental fatigue, increases creativity, and reduces burnout. Outdoor occupations only make up 3.1% of the workforce, so most of us work inside. Between work and home, the average American spends around 93% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. So that leaves just 7% of available time to enjoy the outdoors during the work week. If this statistic holds true for many, why not make sure that your ability to enjoy the outdoors is just steps away from your back door? When you have only a small amount of time to enjoy the sunshine, having your own outdoor living space is convenient and highly beneficial.
So, What Can You Do?
Now, this is a lot of information, right? But it’s good stuff. It can benefit you and your family. And it can benefit others as well. So now that you have access to this information, what can you do?
Share Information
Most people have only a vague idea about the ways that being outdoors can be healthy. As you can see from the information presented here, there are specific benefits that everyone should consider. The best way to help those you like and love is to share this information. Right now, think of at least two people that you personally know who would find this information useful. No need to bombard them — just share a point or two.
Prioritize Outdoor Living Space
Evaluate your personal “must have” project list regarding your own outdoor living space. Where does it fall on that list? In the top three? Or, encourage your family and friends to consider whether their “must have” list should include an outdoor living space. Review all of the benefits outlined here. And then create an action plan. Without a plan you may never get to enjoy the surprising health benefits of an outdoor living space. Make it happen!
Encourage Involvement
Invite friends and family to help you with outdoor living space brainstorming ideas, help you in your garden, help you to kick-back for a lazy afternoon an or evening of entertaining on your patio, or for fun and games in your outdoor living space. Getting involved, participating in, having fun, and learning the ropes helps people experience the benefits themselves and encourages them to be proactive in developing and enhancing their own outdoor living space.
Research
Included in any research you may do, review the section on this blog: Your Patio: Getting Started to see some of the planning tools you’ll need to make sure your outdoor living space gets developed or upgraded to bring you and your family the greatest joy and benefit. We can help you navigate through options and get you better prepared before you start.
Planning can never be underestimated given the cost of outdoor projects and the desired benefits you hope to achieve. Make thought, discussion, and planning on paper the first steps you take when considering any outdoor living spaces. We can help you with an onsite or video conference consult if you are ready to move forward on your project.
Questions?
Given the volume of information presented here, you may have some questions. Some I can readily answer and others I may have to research. But I’ll do my best to help answer questions that will get you on your path to an outdoor living space that offers you benefit.
Please use the comment space below to ask any questions so that my response may be enjoyed by all readers. If you have inquiries of a confidential nature, use this contact form to speak personally to me.
Outdoor Living Space: Good Health, Long Life, and Well-being
I hope it’s evident how valuable it is to have a living space that is designed with your needs and desires in mind so you will get the most pleasure possible. The benefits listed here show how important an outdoor living space is for good health, long life, and well-being. Consider all of the benefits talked about in this post when thinking about your project list priorities for planning or enhancing your outdoor living space. Then, have fun living in an environment that meets your wants and needs and adds great value to you and your family and friends.
Please Leave a Comment: Outdoor Living Space Benefits Good Health
Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or tell us what we missed and can add to this post. Let us know if you’ve experienced the same health benefits discussed in this post in your outdoor living space. Attach a photo to your comments so we see how you’ve created your outdoor living space.
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