Last Updated on January 15, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
We know you spend most of your energy caring for everyone around you, including your clients, team, friends, and family.
Self-care, the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Creating a relaxing outdoor space at home is the perfect way to turn your attention back to yourself and practice self-care.
As a hardworking individual with a busy schedule, you deserve a home space dedicated to self-care.
Imagine coming home to a patio transformed into a personal retreat, where you can escape the day's demands and focus on your relaxation and rejuvenation.
Whether you want to journal your daily experiences, enjoy a cup of tea, or gently stretch, your patio can be the perfect space for these activities.
In this article, we'll share tips to help you transform your patio into a haven of relaxation and balance, a space that can truly enhance your well-being and quality of life.
Let's take a moment to understand the relationship between your physical environment and stress levels.
Your everyday environment can greatly impact your mood and overall well-being.
Being in a clean, tidy space with plenty of natural elements and natural light creates a feeling of calm, improving one's mood and helping one perform at one's best.
A clutter-free space can reduce stress and anxiety, while natural light can boost your mood and energy.
On the other hand, being surrounded by overflowing piles of laundry, dishes in the sink, old paperwork, and clothes spilling out from your closet contributes to chaos and confusion.
In today's society, it's easy to get caught in the trap of constantly rushing or running on the hamster wheel, which inevitably leads to stress, burnout, and many health issues.
This is why having a zone on your patio where you can disconnect from the world's pressures and reconnect with yourself is important.
Disconnecting from the world allows you to recharge and focus on your needs, which is crucial for your mental and physical well-being.
So, first things first;
Look for a quiet, peaceful, and private spot on your patio that provides calm and relaxation. Consider the sun's direction, view, and noise level when choosing your spot.
Since your patio is outdoors, create a sense of privacy and intimacy with a fence or natural barrier, such as a hedge.
Since you'll be using your patio for relaxation and/or meditation, finding a comfortable seat that supports your posture is important.
Comfort is key in relaxation, as it allows your body to fully relax and your mind to focus.
A cushion or a bench on your composite decking could do the trick, but you might also consider a comfortable chair or a porch swing.
You can also look for a yoga meditation chair that's comfortable and supportive.
As you design your patio, choose plants that bring about a sense of peace and tranquility.
Some great options are Lavender, Jasmine, Chamomile, and Rose, all of which provide aromatherapy, natural beauty, and a sense of calm.
You can also add herbs such as mint and rosemary, which can be used for teas.
Adding a fountain or small pond to your patio or very close to the zone you've created for meditation or relaxation can replace distracting noise with running water, which can be incredibly calming when your stress levels are high.
The sound of flowing water can trigger the body's parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body's rest response.
This can help to lower your blood pressure and heart rate so that you can really relax.
Finding a beautiful statue, a tree, or a rock formation to build your patio around will create a sense of harmony and balance in your space.
This focal point is a visually interesting or significant area that draws the eye and creates a sense of balance.
It will also give you a place to focus your gaze during your meditations and can be a great way to doze off while resting.
Bringing natural elements like stones, wood, and pebbles into your patio will create a calming atmosphere.
These are natural elements, materials that come from nature and have a calming effect on our senses. Consider using them to form a pathway for a walking meditation in the zone you've created for that.
Aromatherapy can be a wonderful addition to your outdoor relaxation space, providing a natural and pleasant way to enhance your experience.
Essential oils with a soothing aroma, such as Lavender and Chamomile, can deepen and accelerate your experience and help you achieve peace, quiet, and centeredness.
The scent of Lavender, for example, has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, while Chamomile can help with sleep and relaxation.
Many are on the market, and an expert can recommend the best one to aid relaxation.
Sometimes, you need a space to disconnect and relax to be the best version of yourself.
Engaging with the natural environment by listening to the birds, feeling the fresh breeze, and soaking up some sunshine can lift your spirits and provide a welcome break from indoor routines.
By designing and frequently using your patio, you can create a personal sanctuary that nurtures your mental and emotional health.
Your patio is an excellent place for this purpose. Follow the tips above and transform your space into a place where you can relax and destress while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Don't forget that being the best version of yourself, body and mind, is achievable!