During 2020 and into the beginning of 2021, we have all struggled with stress and anxiety at some point. The coronavirus pandemic has swept our world and rocked all our lives, shaking up our well-established routines and restricting our activity. This difficult time has increased our need for calm, tranquil spaces in which we can truly reconnect with ourselves and relieve stress.
One way we can do this is through getting outdoors. Fresh air, beautiful plants and being surrounded by nature can enhance our sense of wellbeing and calm, even if it is only for a few minutes per day. If you are lucky enough to have a garden, you can achieve this tranquility by designing your garden to become your sanctuary of peace.
Want to find out more? This is how to make your garden your sanctuary of calm during the storm.
Find what makes you feel calm & implement it
Everyone has their own version of paradise. What does it mean to you? There is no one size fits all when it comes to creating your perfect outdoor sanctuary of tranquility, but here are a couple of ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
- Create a central element to your garden. Having something that centres the space is not only a great way to create symmetry, but it can help you base the rest of your garden’s design around it. This could be a lawn, a fire pit, a small statue or a table.
- Growing plants, herbs and vegetables. Not only will this revolutionize your cooking, but growing plants is proven to relieve anxiety and create a sense of calm. Gently tending to your small garden is a perfect way to end a stressful day. Sometimes focusing your mind on nurturing something other than yourself can achieve the stress relief you need.
- Add small decorations to create an atmosphere. This could be hanging baskets, metal ornaments, crystals or other tiny things which will really bring your garden to life.
Practice something fun in your garden
In order to use your garden as your calm space, you should try to cultivate some kind of practice there which brings you joy. This could be:
- Trampolining! Who said trampolining is just for kids? Trampolines are amazing exercise and can make you feel a real sense of joy as you fly through the air. Don’t knock it till you try it, trampolining is a great stress reliever.
- Yoga. All you need is a mat and an internet connection, and you’ll be on your way to exercising in a calm, focused way in your garden. Listen to the birds and the wind as you complete yoga poses, and you’re bound to feel calmer than you have done all day.
- Invite wildlife and watch it! Inviting wildlife into your garden through creating natural habitats and providing food is a great way to learn more about the natural world.
All in all, your garden is an important place in which you can practice calm and tranquility when the world seems hard.
