Sure, your outdoor living space is an extension of your home, but what goes on inside shouldn't necessarily be happening outside. That means the moment you step outdoors, it's time to loosen up, shake off the worries of the day, reverse those frown lines and actually relax.
Just being outside should signal to lighten up your mood and tap into your senses. Ideally there should be an attractive garden or plants to look at, the air will have movement (umm, wind), it's cooler or warmer than inside, birds might be chirping or distant lawns being mowed, and you can enjoy the aroma of your neighbor's steaks on the grill or the scent of a nearby rose bush. An awareness of these changes can help you transition from whatever is taking up space in your mind to a more neutral state.
Of course, there are obvious ways to unwind: leave your laptop, tablet or phone inside and stop texting, snapchatting or otherwise communicating with others. Agree with your partner, family or friends to not discuss heavy topics or something that will agitate or lead to an argument.
Adapt one or more of these seven suggestions for unwinding in your outdoor living space, and make it a goal to really enjoy your space and time outside. Most of these activities can take place in the late afternoon or evening, after work.
Pour a glass of wine, roll it slowly in your glass, take a whiff and savor the experience as you kick back in a patio chair, and unwind for the first time that day. While we don't recommend making a habit of this every day at noon, a couple of times a week might be just what you need to life you away from the stress and daily grind.
As always, drink in moderation and check with your doctor if you have health issues or are on medication.
If you practice yoga and basically know what you're doing, then a mat on a clean deck or another flat, smooth spot in the yard can be a great place to stretch, do your sun salutations, down dogs and repeat your mantra. Do it alone or invite a friend or family member, then follow the session with water or herbal tea.
Yes, it's work, but if it doesn't involve a major change of clothes, two hands at once and grunting, then it just might be the stress-buster you need to separate yourself from the dramas at home or the deadlines at work. Deadheading, pulling a few weeds or planting a six-pack of flowers or herbs you picked up on your way home from work may be a perfect transitional activity for you to allow yourself to unwind at home.
For some, there's that thing about working your hands in the soil and becoming as close to one with the nature that creates a zen-like mood. Try it.
Hot tubs and spas are intended for romance, parties or relaxation. Let's be honest -- most of the time you're going to use it to loosen up sore muscles and soak away your troubles. Built-ins like music, TVs and mood lighting might help get you to a happier place, but the hot, bubbly water should suffice.
Swimming can be a relaxing form of exercise -- how else can you build strength and tone without sweating? Waiting until evening to swim has a special kind of appeal, it's usually more quiet, the moon and stars are shining above, and ambient pool lighting help to create a peaceful, satisfying way to enjoy your pool.
Staring at a fire can be mesmerizing -- it draws people close and offers an opportunity for quiet conversation or uninterrupted reflection. While custom-built outdoor fireplaces are wonderful, you can enjoy the same effect -- relaxing by a fire -- with a fire pit or chiminea.
If you grow sweet-smelling shrubs or vines in your yard, make sure at least some of them are near outdoor seating areas, so that when the wind whips up in the evening, you can catch those intoxicating scents.
Maybe your space is smaller or you don't know a scented vine from a succulent. Scented candles that smell like favorite plants, food or even experiences are available to carry you away to a better-smelling world, just outside your door.
Just being outside should signal to lighten up your mood and tap into your senses. Ideally there should be an attractive garden or plants to look at, the air will have movement (umm, wind), it's cooler or warmer than inside, birds might be chirping or distant lawns being mowed, and you can enjoy the aroma of your neighbor's steaks on the grill or the scent of a nearby rose bush. An awareness of these changes can help you transition from whatever is taking up space in your mind to a more neutral state.
Of course, there are obvious ways to unwind: leave your laptop, tablet or phone inside and stop texting, snapchatting or otherwise communicating with others. Agree with your partner, family or friends to not discuss heavy topics or something that will agitate or lead to an argument.
Adapt one or more of these seven suggestions for unwinding in your outdoor living space, and make it a goal to really enjoy your space and time outside. Most of these activities can take place in the late afternoon or evening, after work.
•Wine at Dusk
Pour a glass of wine, roll it slowly in your glass, take a whiff and savor the experience as you kick back in a patio chair, and unwind for the first time that day. While we don't recommend making a habit of this every day at noon, a couple of times a week might be just what you need to life you away from the stress and daily grind.
As always, drink in moderation and check with your doctor if you have health issues or are on medication.
•Yoga
If you practice yoga and basically know what you're doing, then a mat on a clean deck or another flat, smooth spot in the yard can be a great place to stretch, do your sun salutations, down dogs and repeat your mantra. Do it alone or invite a friend or family member, then follow the session with water or herbal tea.
•Light Gardening
Yes, it's work, but if it doesn't involve a major change of clothes, two hands at once and grunting, then it just might be the stress-buster you need to separate yourself from the dramas at home or the deadlines at work. Deadheading, pulling a few weeds or planting a six-pack of flowers or herbs you picked up on your way home from work may be a perfect transitional activity for you to allow yourself to unwind at home.
For some, there's that thing about working your hands in the soil and becoming as close to one with the nature that creates a zen-like mood. Try it.
•Hot Tub Soak or a Swim
Hot tubs and spas are intended for romance, parties or relaxation. Let's be honest -- most of the time you're going to use it to loosen up sore muscles and soak away your troubles. Built-ins like music, TVs and mood lighting might help get you to a happier place, but the hot, bubbly water should suffice.
Swimming can be a relaxing form of exercise -- how else can you build strength and tone without sweating? Waiting until evening to swim has a special kind of appeal, it's usually more quiet, the moon and stars are shining above, and ambient pool lighting help to create a peaceful, satisfying way to enjoy your pool.
•Music
Provided the tunes you pick aren't jarring, listening to music outdoors is a simple, pleasurable experience. If your outdoor space is small and neighbors are within earshot (or you want to tune them out) use earbuds or headphones.•Sitting By a Fire
Staring at a fire can be mesmerizing -- it draws people close and offers an opportunity for quiet conversation or uninterrupted reflection. While custom-built outdoor fireplaces are wonderful, you can enjoy the same effect -- relaxing by a fire -- with a fire pit or chiminea.
•Scented Plants or Candles
If you grow sweet-smelling shrubs or vines in your yard, make sure at least some of them are near outdoor seating areas, so that when the wind whips up in the evening, you can catch those intoxicating scents.
Maybe your space is smaller or you don't know a scented vine from a succulent. Scented candles that smell like favorite plants, food or even experiences are available to carry you away to a better-smelling world, just outside your door.