All of us recognize the importance of mindful interior design which is why we carefully choose and curate everything in our homes to provide a pleasing and positive esthetic. However, we often overlook the profound impact that outdoor living spaces have on our mental health. A well-maintained outdoor space encourages relaxation and mindfulness by creating a space that is free from the overstimulation of modern technology. Your outdoor space can be used for moments of reflection and stillness as well as socializing with friends and family. In our fast-paced world, quiet outdoor spaces have great restorative power, making it an essential component of a healthy and holistic lifestyle.
7 Outdoor Upgrades for a Peaceful and Positive Mindset
Upgrading your outdoor space encourages you to spend more time outside which will also lead to you spending more time taking care of your plants. You can also use this calming space for yoga every morning which will release “happy hormones” such as serotonin and endorphins which improve mood and mindset. While all these steps will help you cultivate a peaceful and positive outlook, if you have more severe mental health issues such as chronic stress or post-traumatic stress, it would be a good idea to consider various therapies that are meant specifically for these situations. For instance, somatic experiencing therapy uses physical movements to help you if your body system has become “stuck” on high alert due to a dysfunctional stress response. This mind-body therapy provides a “release” for your nervous system to bring it back into balance. Here are a few ways in which you can upgrade your outdoor space to reduce stress and regain emotional balance and mental clarity:
- Create a Green Wall
A green wall or vertical garden optimizes your space so that you can enjoy lush greenery even if you do not have a large outdoor space. Plenty of older studies found that large green spaces like parks reduce stress but newer research shows that even interaction with indoor plants can reduce stress. Place seating near your wall for a tranquil and immersive vibe.
- Use Fragrant Plants
While the visual impact of plants is very calming, you can increase this effect by adding fragrant plants to your outdoor space. Grow herbs like rosemary, basil or mint, or flowers such as lavender, gardenias, or honeysuckle as the natural scents help to elevate mood and create a peaceful environment.
- Install a Zen Garden
A Zen Garden brings calm and mindfulness to your outdoor space. Use sand, gravel, and stones to design patterns that can be easily altered, promoting meditative focus. You can also add a small water feature to create soothing sounds that enhance relaxation. If you don’t have much time to tend to plants, you can include a few hardy plants such as succulents and small shrubs. The simplicity of this minimalist landscaping helps to create a sense of serenity and order.
- Add Soft Lighting
Soft, warm lighting can turn even a small outdoor space into a tranquil oasis. Avoid white lights as they can make a space feel cold and uninviting and instead go for warm white or golden yellow lights – anything in the 2700-3000k range would be warm. These lighting elements create a serene ambiance that invites you to unwind after dark. This lighting not only enhances the visual appeal of your space but also supports a peaceful mindset by making it feel cozy and safe.
- Install an Outdoor Swing
Whether it’s a classic wooden porch swing or a more modern swing chair, the back-and-forth motion gives a sense of peace and eases stress and tension. You can surround the area with flowering climbing vines to create a dreamlike mood and esthetic.
- Hang a Bird Feeder
Attracting birds to your outdoor space adds life, movement, and cheerful sounds. Install a bird feeder or birdhouse in a visible spot, and fill it with different types of seeds to draw a variety of species. Watching birds flit about and listening to their happy chirps can reduce stress and promote mindfulness. Studies show that mindfulness reduces rumination, anxiety and worry and promotes a more positive mindset.
- Create a Mini Wildflower Garden
A mini wildflower garden brings vibrant colors and natural charm to even the smallest spaces. Use pots, window boxes, or a compact raised bed to plant native wildflowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies for a lively eco-friendly habitat. These plants require minimal maintenance and its untamed beauty helps to foster a connection to nature and improves mood.
