Stressed? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Life can stir up all of those feelings from time to time, and while things like stress aren’t entirely avoidable, there are things you can do to better take care of yourself and alleviate some of those issues.
One of the best things you can do to combat the stress of everyday life? Try yoga. While yoga is certainly nothing new, so many people don’t try it because of the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding it. Yoga is great for lowering your blood pressure, reducing stress, easing your pain, and helping you sleep. It’s also a great workout that improves your flexibility, balance, and strength.
If you really want to take it to the next level, consider building yourself an outdoor yoga sanctuary. Having a place you can go to relax and decompress is important, especially if your life is otherwise overwhelming. Being able to find peace and comfort in your own backyard while practicing yoga is like a double-dose of stress relief that can have a positive impact on the rest of your life.
So, how can you create a backyard yoga sanctuary, and why is it important?
Mind and Body Benefits of Yoga
While we touched briefly on the benefits of yoga, it’s important to know just how much you can get out of the practice — especially if you’re considering building a backyard getaway for it!
Yoga tackles two aspects when it comes to stress relief. First, it’s a great form of exercise that gets your blood flowing and your body moving. It’s low-impact, so just about anyone can do it, and you can even take extra precautions to avoid injuries by warming up properly and perfecting your form.
Exercise is great for your physical health, of course, but it also can improve your mental health by providing more clarity and reducing anxiety. Yoga takes that one step further by promoting deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation.
Exercise like yoga can also help to prevent and combat a variety of health conditions, including stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. In fact, diabetes is often directly linked to obesity and high blood pressure — two things yoga can help with.
Building Your Own Retreat
Now that you know how beneficial yoga can be, it’s time to get working on your own personal backyard sanctuary. Yes, heading on some tropical vacation to relax might be tempting, but that’s not always feasible. Thankfully, you can find just as much relaxation in your own back yard if you’re willing to put in a bit of work.
Creating your own backyard sanctuary doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In the end, it will be a reflection of you and what you truly need to be able to relax. You’ve probably heard of “man caves,” party barns, or even “she sheds.” But, you don’t have to give your sanctuary a special name in order to reap its benefits.
Having a quiet place you can go to be yourself and spend a few minutes away from your “normal” life can work wonders for your mental health.
You can make it as easy or as complicated as you’d like. If you already have a porch, a shed, or any covered outdoor area, you can do a little redecorating to make it your own. Or, if you’d like to build something from the ground up, you can have full control over the design process.
Start with a budget, work with a contractor, and avoid any extra stress by making sure you have all of the correct building permits in place before you start constructing your getaway. Once the construction is complete, the design options are totally up to you! Remember, this sanctuary is supposed to be a place to relax and decompress, so try to avoid bringing in electronic or decorating it with anything too flashy or distracting. Some “extras” to consider include:
- Calming/warm lighting
- Plenty of pillows or blankets to sit on
- A small speaker to play calming music
- Decor that helps you feel centered
- Inspiring quotes or mantras to focus on
- Neutral colors
The location you choose is also important. Though your backyard space might be somewhat limited, try to find a place far enough away from the house where you won’t be bothered by any noises or distractions from inside.
Stress happens. If you try to ignore it or let it build up over time, it can lead to more serious health issues, and you can burn out very quickly. Thankfully, you can combat it with your own personal, quiet space, and the power of yoga.
Finding Tranquility at Home
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or travel far to experience the benefits of yoga and find some peace. You can turn your own backyard into your own personal sanctuary and use yoga as a way to improve both your mental and physical health.
The best part? The sky’s the limit when it comes to what you can create, so don’t be afraid to use your imagination for the “she shed” of your dreams.
