Category: Wellness on the Patio

Wellness Goals Don’t Fail — Environments Do

Every year, many of us set similar intentions. We want to read more, sleep better, spend less without feeling restricted, feel calmer, and be more present in our own lives. We want good wellness.

What often gets overlooked is that these goals rarely disappear because we stop caring about them. They fade because daily life quietly (or not) pulls us in another direction. Screens take over evenings. Indoor lighting keeps us wired. Spaces meant for rest double as work zones. The environment shuts down behavior long before motivation dwindles. Research indicates that while less than 75% of people stick to their goals for the first week, only about 8% to 10% successfully maintain their resolutions long-term. In fact , “Quitter’s Day” falls on the second Friday in January, highlighting how rapidly motivation can decline. 

The places we spend time either support the rhythms we want to keep — or subtly work against them. And increasingly, people are realizing that some of the most supportive wellness environments aren’t found in apps, studios, or memberships, but right outside their own doors.

In 2026 and beyond, wellness is becoming more home-based, more accessible, and more integrated into everyday life. Your patio, deck, yard, porch, or balcony can play a central role in that shift — not as an add-on, but as part of how you live.

Why Outdoor Living Supports Real Wellness
(not just trends)

Time outdoors has long been associated with reduced stress, improved mood, better sleep, and stronger social connection. But those benefits aren’t automatic. They emerge most clearly when outdoor spaces are designed to be used regularly and comfortably.

An outdoor space that feels inviting lowers friction. It doesn’t require preparation or a plan. You step into it the same way you step into a favorite room — because it’s ready waiting for you.

I noticed this most clearly on evenings when we intended to “just step outside for a minute” and stayed far longer than planned. Nothing special was happening. The space simply made it easier to slow down than to switch on a screen.

That ease matters. Wellness habits tend to last when they are supported quietly, without effort or announcement. Outdoor living works not because it asks you to do more, but because it allows you to do less. 

We have identified some wellness goals that many people have on their lists. If you have included some of these, you might be interested in ways your environment could be structured to help rather than hinder you reaching them.

Wellness Goal #1:
Read More and Keep Learning

There are many positive reasons for making time in your daily schedule to read:  it helps you relax, learn new concepts, gain perspective, and more. So reading new books — even rereading old classics —  is a common and fantastic personal growth goal.

Reading often slips away not because interest fades, but because attention becomes fragmented. Indoor environments are full of interruption — there are bright screens nearby, harsh lighting, competing noise, and daily tasks that encourage distraction rather than focus.

Outdoor spaces naturally remove many of those barriers. Natural light is easier on the eyes. Fresh air increases alertness without stimulation. The absence of commercial messages and digital notifications allows your attention to settle.

When we stopped keeping books on a nightstand and started leaving one on the patio table instead, reading happened more often without any decision attached to it. Sitting down outside led naturally to opening the book.

Design elements that support reading outdoors include:

• Comfortable, supportive seating
• Shade or filtered light
• A small surface for books and drinks
• Soft lighting that extends use into the evening

(Click here for furniture options to consider: The Eclectic Approach and/or The “Buy New” Approach)

Wellness Goal #2:
Stick to a Budget That Matches Your Life

No matter what your financial situation is, creating a budget is a great idea. Budgets help people better manage their money to reach financial goals, pay off debt, etc.

But spending habits are closely tied to environment. When home doesn’t support rest, connection, or enjoyment, money flows outward to compensate. Daily dining out replaces gathering, expensive entertainment and impulse purchases replaces rest and pause.

Outdoor living spaces shift that dynamic inward. Meals eaten outside feel intentional. Evenings slow down. The desire to “do something” is often already met.

Over time, this changes spending patterns quietly. The more time spent outdoors, the fewer unplanned outings occur and boredom purchases get made. And there is more satisfaction from what is already owned. At least, that’s what we found. For example, instead of browsing online retail sites during free time, we might engage in gardening, birdwatching, or stargazing (we’ve seen the best moon rises from our backyard), which provides stimulation without the need for new purchases.

Outdoor spaces commonly reduce reliance on:

• Restaurants
• Paid entertainment
• Stress-driven purchases
• Travel as a substitute for rest

(Click here for information about how to budget for outdoor living spaces.)

Wellness Goal #3:
Improve Relationships and Social Connection

Another common personal growth goal is to better and deepen relationships with family and friends or to find time to make new ones. Often this involves creating an advantageous work-life balance. It requires intentional, consistent effort to overcome the lack of organic, recurring social interactions found in childhood – school, play, hobbies, etc. Key strategies involve taking advantage of the “mere exposure effect” — regularly seeing the same people in similar environments — and showing genuine, vulnerable interest in others. Connection often erodes not from lack of care, but from conflicts in scheduling, cleanup, formality, and expectation — even traditions — all adding frustration and weight to time spent together. It shouldn’t have to be that hard.

Outdoor spaces tend to remove that weight. Conversations unfold more easily and time stretches without effort. Mere presence replaces activities.

We noticed this shift most when we stopped worrying about whether the house was “ready” for company. Outside, no one cared. People stayed longer. Conversations went deeper. The space carried the gathering. We encouraged “pop-ins” because the patio is always there . . . waiting.

Outdoor design features that support connection include:

• Seating arranged for conversation
• Shared surfaces such as tables or fire features
• Lighting that feels warm rather than bright
• A clear focal point that draws people in

(Click here for the value of firepits.)

Wellness Goal #4:
Reduce Mental Clutter and Be More Positive

While estimates vary, research suggests the average person experiences thousands of negative thoughts daily, with some studies indicating that up to 80% of the 12,000 to 60,000 daily thoughts are negative. Additionally, about 95% of these daily thoughts are repetitive, meaning the same negative, self-critical, or anxious thoughts often recur. Mental clutter tends to collect indoors, especially in spaces filled with reminders, unfinished tasks, and screens. Even moments intended for rest can feel unproductive or pressured.

Outdoor environments operate differently. Nature does not demand output. It provides scale, rhythm, and perspective. Stepping outside — even briefly — often interrupts negative or repetitive thought patterns.

This isn’t about solving problems. It’s about creating enough mental space for problems to loosen their grip.

We found that just breathing in fresh air on the patio for 15 minutes gives your brain permission to reset, even in small ways.

Design choices that support calm include:

• Natural materials and greenery
• Visual simplicity rather than abundance
• Quiet zones buffered from traffic and noise

(Click here for creating calm backyard spaces.)

Wellness Goal #5:
Practice Gratitude Through Routine, Not Effort

Practicing gratitude acts as an evidence-based tool to rewire the brain for happiness, significantly reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while improving overall physical health, sleep quality, and resilience. By focusing on positive aspects, individuals foster deeper relationships, increase self-esteem, and cultivate a proactive, optimistic, and purposeful mindset. Gratitude is often framed as something that requires intention and discipline. In reality, it tends to appear more naturally when life slows enough to be noticed.

Outdoor spaces create reliable pause points. Sitting in the same chair each evening builds a subtle rhythm. Over time, attention shifts to light, temperature, sound, and season.

For us, this replaced the idea of “keeping a gratitude practice.” Simply being in the same outdoor spot made noticing differences in our surrounding automatic, without turning reflection into yet another task.

Outdoor rituals that support this include:

• Morning coffee and breakfast outdoors
• Evening journaling or quiet sitting
• Watching sunsets, moon rises, or seasonal changes

(Click here for an easy to start an outdoor ritual)

Wellness Goal #6:
Spend Less Without Feeling Deprived

Challenging yourself to spend less money, such as through a “no-spend” month, quarter, or even year (is that even possible?) builds financial discipline, significantly boosts savings, and helps break impulsive purchasing habits. By focusing only on essentials, you can reduce financial stress, gain clarity on spending patterns, and foster creativity in repurposing what you already own. When spending is reduced without replacement, however, life can feel paltry. And no-spend goals fail when life feels smaller.

Outdoor living spaces offer variation without cost. Light changes. Weather shifts. Activities evolve. The same space supports different moods and uses throughout the year. Your home begins to feel expansive rather than limiting. Our backyard set up has taken the concept to a whole new level – a place customized for our care, comfort, and contentment.

Outdoor living supports no-spend intentions by:

• Replacing paid entertainment
• Encouraging creativity and reuse
• Making staying home feel complete

(Click here for using your backyard instead of spending more.)

Wellness Goal #7:
Reduce Social Media and Screen Time

If one of your personal growth goals is better time management, evaluate the time you spend on social media. Most of us are guilty of huge amounts of time used scrolling Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Screens tend to fill empty moments automatically. They are rarely chosen intentionally; they are simply available. Suggestions to help in this area range from timeblock apps to deleting accounts.

Outdoor spaces provide an alternative: hands become still when our attention moves outside. Over time, phone and tablet use often decreases because our environment offers something more engaging. The key is to prioritize what activity most engages you and your family. For us, it’s the “we-gazebo”, the garden, and the “R-Bar” (our bar on the patio).

Design cues that support this shift include:

• Seating with a view (placed away from outlets)
• Specific and customized zones
• Warm lighting that discourages scrolling

(Click here for ways to use lighting all year round)

Wellness Goal #8:
Watch Less TV and Be More Present

The average American watches around 4.5 to 5 hours of TV daily, though this varies significantly by age, with older adults watching much more than younger generations, and includes streaming, broadcast, and cable content accessed on various devices, according to Nielsen. Television is deeply habitual and offers passive rest, but it often leaves little behind.

Outdoor time, even when quiet, engages the senses. Sitting outside involves noticing — light, air, sound, temperature. Rest feels restorative and refreshing rather than numbing. For us, that included elements such as a patio heater, a hammock, and grill deck.

Outdoor design elements that encourage presence include:

• Comfortable lounging furniture
• All-weather usability
• Lighting that supports evening use

(Click here for using your patio in the evenings and year-round.)

Wellness Goal #9:
Start the Day More Gently

Mornings shape the tone of the day. Waking up early can offer benefit and more “me time”  all while aligning with your body’s natural circadian rhythm for better sleep quality and focus. Getting up just 15 minutes earlier can help establish healthier habits and provides a peaceful, focused start to the day. If you are staying indoors, though, mornings often begin with noise, artificial light, and immediate demands.

Outdoor mornings feel different. Natural light arrives gradually. Air is still. The day has not yet asked anything.

Simple morning rituals outdoors often lead to earlier waking — not through discipline, but through anticipation.

Morning-supportive design ideas include:

• East-facing seating
• Warmth for cooler months
• Simple surfaces for coffee or notes

(Click here for making that first coffee in the morning special)

When Space Aligns With Your Life,
Wellness Becomes Sustainable

Wellness goals rarely fail because people lack commitment. They falter when daily environments are not aligned with how people actually live.

An effective outdoor living space does not need to be large, expensive, or styled for display. It needs to be thoughtful, comfortable, and usable on ordinary days.

Over time, what surprised me most wasn’t how much we used our outdoor space, but how little we talked about it. It stopped being something we planned around and became something we returned to. Some days it was five minutes. Other days it stretched into the evening. Either way, it held the shape of our day without asking for attention. That’s when it became clear that the space wasn’t supporting a goal anymore — it was supporting a life.

A Thoughtful Next Step

If this reflection made you aware that your outdoor space could support your life more fully — but currently doesn’t — that awareness is meaningful.

That is the purpose behind A Guide to Creating an Ideal Outdoor Living Space.
Not to sell products. Not to follow trends. But to help you:

• Clarify what you want your space to support
• Avoid unnecessary expense
• Make decisions that align with your daily life and budget

If this is the year wellness becomes livable rather than aspirational, this Guide offers a calm place to begin.

Wellness Outdoors FAQs

How does outdoor living support wellness goals?

Outdoor living supports wellness by reducing stress, improving mood, encouraging movement, supporting better sleep, and making healthy habits easier to maintain through daily use.

Can outdoor living really improve mental health?

Yes. Time spent outdoors has been shown to lower cortisol levels, improve focus, and support emotional regulation — especially when the space is designed for regular use.

Do I need a large yard for a wellness-focused outdoor space?

No. Small patios, decks, and balconies can be highly effective when designed intentionally for comfort and routine.

Is creating an outdoor wellness space expensive?

Not necessarily. Many impactful wellness spaces rely on layout, lighting, and furniture choices rather than major renovations.

What’s the first step to creating a wellness-focused outdoor space?

Clarifying how you want to use the space daily — not how you want it to look — is the most important first step.

Please Leave a Comment

Was this information helpful? 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. Is better health and wellness a goal you have personally or for your entire family? Do you spend time in your outdoor space? Does it offer you a restorative feeling? What is your favorite activity in your outdoor living space? Please share your thoughts and impressions. And tell your locale — we’re in Roanoke, Virginia, USA. Where are you?

Buy us a Coffee

If you love this blog post on livingonthepatio.com, click the button below to make a donation and buy us a coffee. Thanks.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post at no extra cost to you if the affiliate links are utilized to make a purchase. Click this link to see all our disclosures.

At LivingOnThePatio, we love exploring creative ways to make outdoor spaces an extension of your home and lifestyle. In that vein, we’re excited to feature our guest blogger Christina Fabritiis, founder of Fabulous Sleep Solutions, who will enlighten our readers on transforming sleep health through activities in their outdoor living space. 

Christina has been helping families achieve better sleep since 2019. She is a sought-after pediatric and family sleep consultant, guiding exhausted people through gentle, effective methods to restore peace at night.

In this special feature, Christina shares how your patio isn’t just a place for cookouts or morning coffee — it can actually play a powerful role in helping you and your family sleep better.

Below, Christina tells us how outdoor living on the patio can transform our sleep health.

Why Sleep Health Matters More Than You Think

Sleep is the foundation of our mental, physical, and emotional health. Without it, families struggle with:

• Parents who are drained, foggy at work, and stretched thin.
• Children who are overtired, cranky, and resistant to routines.
• Teens battling mood swings, poor academics, and even mental health challenges due to lack of rest.
• Adults with weakened immune systems, strained marriages, and increased risk of burnout.

Sleep deprivation isn’t just about feeling tired. It affects your brain, your health, and even your safety. Other countries have even used it as torture — it’s that serious.

That’s why I founded Fabulous Sleep Solutions to help families reclaim restful nights through compassionate, personalized coaching. And surprisingly, the path to better sleep may start with something as simple as using your patio more intentionally.

The Science Behind Outdoor Living and Sleep

Spending time outside has a direct impact on your circadian rhythm — the natural body clock that controls when you feel awake and when you feel tired. Here’s how:

• Natural light exposure helps regulate melatonin, the hormone that signals bedtime.
• Fresh air and gentle movement reduce stress hormones like cortisol.
• Quiet moments outdoors lower overstimulation and calm the nervous system.
• Family rituals outside create predictability that helps kids transition into sleep mode.

Families don’t realize how powerful the outdoors can be for sleep. Just 15–30 minutes outside in the morning or before bed makes a huge difference.

How to Use Your Patio for Better Sleep Health

Here are several practical, family-friendly ways to turn your patio into a restful sanctuary:

1. Create Evening Wind-Down Zones
   Add cozy chairs — new or repurposed, a fire pit, or a small seating area where your family can gather after dinner. This signals the body that the day is ending.
2. Choose Sleep-Friendly Lighting
   String lights or solar lanterns create soft, warm ambiance that encourages relaxation — unlike bright indoor lighting that keeps the brain alert.
3. Add Natural Elements
   Plants, water features, and wood textures soothe the senses. A nature-inspired space helps children and adults feel calmer before bedtime.
4. Encourage Calming Activities
   Use the patio for quiet play, reading, or prayer. Replace noisy indoor transitions with outdoor moments of peace.
5. Limit Stimulation
   High-energy outdoor games right before bedtime can backfire. Instead, use the patio for gentle, connecting rituals that slow the pace.
   
   

Tips to Build Consistency for Better Sleep Health

Consistency is essential when weaving the patio into your family’s rhythm:

• Start the Day Outside
  A few minutes in the morning sun helps reset the body clock (a nice time to have your tea or coffee).
• Screen-Free Zone
  Use the patio to disconnect from devices and avoid blue light before bed.
• Connect as a Family
  Share “highs and lows” of the day outdoors to promote connection and closure.
• End the Day Outside
  Spend time outdoors before starting the bedtime routine.

These little shifts make a world of difference. Sleep success doesn’t just happen at night — it starts with the rhythms we build during the day.

About Fabulous Sleep Solutions

I like to think I’m not just a consultant, but more than that, I can give people’s lives back to them.

LivingOnThePatio and Fabulous Sleep Solutions is a Perfect Fit for Better Sleep Health

At LivingOnThe Patio, I know they believe outdoor spaces can enrich daily life, bringing joy, connection, and balance. Pairing that with my sleep expertise creates a holistic approach — outdoor living nurtures the body and mind, while expert coaching ensures families get the rest they desperately need.

Together, these two passions — outdoor living and healthy sleep — help families thrive in every season.

Final Thoughts on Sleep Health

Your patio isn’t just an outdoor space — it can be the key to unlocking better rest for your family. By weaving in calming rituals, reducing stress, and syncing your body with natural light, your outdoor time sets the stage for restorative nights.

I like to remind people that tired parents might reach for yet another cup of coffee as a solution to fatigue, but really, what they need is long-term solutions that last. That’s where Fabulous Sleep Solutions comes in.

So next time you step outside, think of your patio as more than just a place to sit — it’s the first step toward fabulous sleep.

And remember, every day is Friday on the patio!

Sleep Health FAQs

What is sleep health?

Sleep health is the state of sleep that promotes physical and emotional well-being, defined by the quality, duration, and consistency of sleep, rather than just the absence of sleep disorders. It includes getting enough restful sleep to feel refreshed, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and having a healthy sleep environment. Poor sleep health can increase the risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and depression, and negatively affect cognitive function. 

How can I improve my sleep health?

Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet. Exposure to light in the evenings might make it more challenging to fall asleep. Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens just before bedtime. Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.

What is the 10-3-2-1-0 rule for sleep?

The “10-3-2-1-0” sleep rule is a pre-bedtime routine designed to improve sleep quality by establishing a countdown before bed. It recommends:

• 10 hours before bed, stop consuming caffeine.
• 3 hours before, stop eating and drinking alcohol.
• 2 hours before, stop working and engaging in mentally taxing activities.
• 1 hour before, stop all screen time.
• 0 minutes before bed, wake up to your first alarm without hitting snooze.

How much sleep do I need by age?

Sleep needs vary by age, with newborns needing the most and sleep requirements decreasing through childhood and adolescence to the adult range.

• Adults generally need 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
• Teens need 8 to 10 hours.
• School-aged children need 9 to 12 hours.
• Preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours (including naps). 
  
  

Please Leave a Comment

Was this information helpful? 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. How is your sleep quality these days? Do you have any sleep regimens that work well for you? What are they? Do you use your outdoor living space for winding down your day in preparation for getting ready to go to sleep? Please share your thoughts and impressions. And tell your locale — we’re in Roanoke, Virginia, USA. Where are you?

Buy us a Coffee

If you love this blog post on livingonthepatio.com, click the button below to make a donation and buy us a coffee. Thanks.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post at no extra cost to you if the affiliate links are utilized to make a purchase. Click this link to see all our disclosures.

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.

Click the titles or photos below to view the two planning tools:
A Guide for Creating an Ideal Outdoor Living Space
Outdoor Living Space Starter Kit

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.

Buy us a Coffee

If you love this blog post on livingonthepatio.com, click the button below to make a donation and buy us a coffee. Thanks.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post at no extra cost to you if the affiliate links are utilized to make a purchase. Click this link to see all our disclosures.