10 Ways to Create a Little Paradise

Posted by Guest Contributor on Mar 18, 2010 in Home, Other Stuff | 0 comments

courtesy Backyard Getaway

Tweet. IM. Text. Email. Juggling a million things at once is a sign of competency, right? Some experts are claiming that productivity and sense of well being decrease when we have a scattered focus. When we are loaded down by life it is harder to be fully present in the moment and connect with people, much less find any time to unwind and recharge. If you can relate, maybe it’s time to create an escape hatch. Trade cubicle chaos for a patio rocking chair. Step out of the rat race into the peace of your back yard.

1. Stroll.

What do you see? In order to find unfamiliar relaxation in an overly familiar place, take a slow walk and a long look at your yard. Try to see it through fresh eyes. As you walk, take notes. Jot down all the positives. Look for areas that may contain relaxing components — like a small garden or birdbath. Search out level spaces that can be altered to accommodate your desires. Give the entire landscape a discerning evaluation.

2. Dream.

What’s outside your escape hatch? Dream big. Start simple. Think about the things that bring peace to your life. Jot a list of single words. Flowers. Lawn games. Bird feeders. Reading. Morning coffee. Dogs. Tag Football. Conversation. Your lifestyle will determine if you need rooms for dining, playing, sitting, gardens, or pets. Your list will contain things that can become intentional areas or ‘rooms’ of relaxation in your yard.

3. Draw & Plan.

Now’s the time to plan it out and create your new retreat, think creatively. Enlist a friend, or professional. Get some paper and map out your favorite ways to chill. Place them around a scale drawing of your landscape. One important aspect of your backyard haven is balance. Note how the spaces interact. Consider winding pathways to add interest and flow. Whatever elements you choose, pull it all together by following the balance of your overall plan.

4. Evaluate.

What makes you unwind? Be honest. If weeding and planting are on your list of great-things-to-do then make sure your yard is planned accordingly. If your passion is to keep it green (eco-conscious), consider creating a compost area to recycle organic materials and purchase native plants that are going to feel right at home in your yard. Install a drip irrigation system to keep water usage low.

However, if you prefer a low-maintenance yard that is more function than form, design your space for minimal work. Lower the stress factor by evaluating your preferences.

5. Play.

If hospitality makes you exhale, open up your haven for friends and family. Design your square footage with fun gatherings in mind. Kids need play space. Yard games require open lawn. Decks and patios provide milling and sitting areas. And grills usually come with the need for a table. If parties are your way to play, intentionally add areas for recreation.

6. Ignite.

Few things cause a long stare like a flame. Fireplaces have a built in pause factor. Bring ambient light to an evening and slow down the pace with a popular clay chiminea or brass fire pit on the patio. Think about installing solar lights along pathways to keep it safe.

7. Color.

Blues, greens, oranges, yellows, or reds? What colors bring you peace or joy? Think about your favorite colors and find ways to color your place of rest. Consider consulting the Feng Shui energy map. Patio pavers come in cool or warm color schemes. Assorted planting pots set in groups can bring color both with blooms and ceramics. An old mailbox, fences, decks or sheds can be transformed with a new coat of paint. Choose the hues that bring you peace.

8. Inhale.

If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends, blow it all out and inhale. Bring real fragrances into your world. Aromatherapy can change a mood. Start to pay attention. Discover what types of fragrances make you feel calm, energetic, romantic, relaxed. Intentionally plant certain flowers for their aroma. Potted basil, sage, thyme, and mint bring their own sweet smells. Or, if plants aren’t your cup of tea, include tabletop candles for the same aromatic affect.

9. Recline.

Sit down. Put your feet up. Swing back and forth. Imagine yourself in a hidden nook or garden alcove reading, napping or meditating. It’s hard to relax standing up. Backyard furniture is crucial. Even one porch rocker or lawn chair can offer the chance to rest. Hammocks, benches, picnic tables, reclining lawn chairs — choose what suits you. Quality backyard furniture is a quality-of-life investment.

10. Retrain.

Figure out what prevents you from pausing. No matter the dream, design, or elements if you do not take full advantage of your new breathing space, it’s a waste. So, get down to the bottom of yourself and find the barriers and retrain your brain. Relaxation is a choice. Unplug the madness of the outside world. Step out your new escape hatch into the sweeter paradise that’s waiting in your own backyard, any day of the week.

Kimberly Aardal, publisher of EveryDayRockingChairs.com is passionate about living life to the fullest and keeping our natural surroundings wild and unscathed. She resides in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with her husband and yellow lab named Ginger. Together they spend a great deal of time hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and exploring quaint mountain towns. Kimberly writes industry reviews of rocking chairs and enjoys a wide variety of rocking relaxation in the form of porch rockers, and rocker gliders.