Your backyard can be a great place for you to relax and promote your health. Whether you are spending time with your pets, growing your own food, or simply enjoying the warm sun, there are a number of things you can do to improve your health when you are in your backyard.
1. Grow your own food
If you have an enclosed yard space, consider planting some fruits and vegetables. You don’t need much space. Here are some ideas:
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Eggplants
- Zucchini and other summer squash
These plants, if properly cared for, can produce a large amount of food that you can eat fresh or use in your favorite dishes. If you have the space and time, consider planting more than one type of plant listed above. But you might have to get some bigger plants and trees removed to accommodate your new edible garden.
2. Let your dogs out
If you have dogs, let them out into your yard to play and get some exercise while you are watching them. Just be sure that your dog knows how to swim if you have a pool. Also, keep in mind that dogs need lots of water during the day, so keep their bowls filled. Ensure that your yard is safe for them by removing debris, cleaning up your lawn equipment, and uprooting poisonous plants.
3. Relax
Your backyard can be a great place to relax after a long day at work or on the weekend with your family and friends. Consider adding some furniture like chairs and tables as well as decorations such as flowers and lanterns. This will make your backyard an even more relaxing and enjoyable place for you to unwind. Relaxing activities to do in this kind of space may include reading a book, drinking warm coffee or cold iced tea, or simply sitting there and not thinking about anything.
4. Have a party
If you have the space and don’t mind sharing your private outdoor space with others, consider having some people over for a cookout or some type of outdoor party. Your friends and family will love it, and you might make some great memories as well.
5. Meditate
If you prefer to be alone, consider meditating in your backyard. The warm sun and gentle breeze can help reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed. Different meditation techniques can be employed depending on your needs and your available space so you won’t be limited to those popular meditation exercises you usually see. Breathing exercises are exceptionally easy to do anytime, anywhere.
6. Swim
If you have access to a pool, consider taking some time to go for a swim. Your backyard pool can be the perfect place to do laps or just float around in the water on lazy Sunday afternoons. If your area doesn’t get too cold in winter, consider having an outdoor pool party if you live in a climate where swimming is still possible during the colder months.
7. Relax in the hot tub
If you have a nice backyard with space near your pool, consider adding a hot tub. The therapeutic effects of an outdoor hot tub can be very beneficial to your health. Many people find that they sleep better and have reduced stress levels when they spend time soaking in their own backyard hot tub. If you want even more privacy, consider adding a pergola decorated with plants and flowers to provide you with a bit more shelter from the elements.
8. Arrange for exercise equipment
If you have the space, arrange for some types of physical exercises you can do in your yard. For example, if you have a bad back then look into getting an in-ground trampoline. You could also place a pull-up bar somewhere near your pool or hot tub so you could do some back exercises while you are relaxing. An outdoor exercise space can be great for your health if it is set up properly with the correct equipment, but make sure it is safe as well by having them installed professionally. And don’t forget that some forms of exercises like weightlifting should always be done with a buddy to spot you.
9. Play sports
Do you like to play baseball, soccer, football, or some other type of sport? You can set up an outdoor court in your backyard so you won’t have to spend all of your time on the weekends driving around looking for people to play with. This way your friends can come over anytime they want and enjoy a game without all the hassle of having to find a field. Your backyard can be even more fun and exciting if you add things like a basketball hoop, soccer goals, or tennis nets like the ones in the picture below.
Promoting your health in your backyard is a good way to escape from the busy world around you. Whether you are taking care of plants or letting your dogs out for some exercise, there are plenty of things you can do to just relax and let yourself recover from the stresses of daily life.
