We celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10th October with the relevance of being conscious of our minds and making us more aware of the different mental health disorders around the world. In today’s dynamic and technology-focused world, one must take good care of a person’s mental well-being. There is an effective but often forgotten way to help improve mental health, which involves outdoor living spaces. Being exposed to nature has a significant impact that deeply touches our very being.
Nature’s Healing Effects
Studies have shown that spending any time in nature is related to better mental health. Spending time in nature can also help to reduce stress, improve mood and offer the person a feeling of well-being. Nature is a peaceful spot from the stress where often feel overwhelmed and bombarded by our daily lives, allowing reconnect with the self.
More Fresh Air, More Sunlight: Imagine breathing fresh air while you relax in your backyard or taking a small stroll in the garden or park. This relieves stress and anxiety, making you more upbeat.
Mindfulness and reflection: Outdoor living spaces help with self-awareness and mindfulness. The gentle sound of leaves, chirping birds or even smelling flowers bloom helps us connect with nature. Such mindfulness helps in mental health by diverting our attention from stress.
Designing Outdoor Spaces for Mental Wellness
The creation of outdoor space can actually boost mental health and Ducon Outdoor Living, a UAE-based Landscape Design Company understands this. Well, here are some design ideas that can help you develop your outdoors into a haven for wellbeing:
Incorporating Natural Elements:
Greeneries and Plants: A variety of plants will bring color and calmness to the place. It is documented that green open spaces bring calmness to a person. Select such plants that can survive the UAE weather, for instance, succulents and flowering shrubs.
Water Features: The soothing sounds of water flow can bring character to your space. You can install a small fountain or tiny pond.
Designing Comfortable Sitting Areas:
Outdoor Lounges: These will be comfortably designed seating areas that invite relaxation and encourage social interactions. It could be as simple as a niche under a pergola or an open area with chairs set up around a fire pit.
Shaded Solutions: An outdoor space must have a balance between comfort and functionality, keeping in mind the climatic conditions of the UAE. Adding shade structures like a pergola would therefore facilitate the creation of cool and inviting areas where one can enjoy being outdoors without overheating.
Incorporating Functional Elements:
Outdoor Kitchens: Preparing and cooking your meals on the barbecue grill outdoors guarantees full enjoyment of your meal, and it allows for great social gatherings, which are important for good mental well-being. These shared moments over meals among family and friends foster bonding and create long-lasting memories.
Exercise Areas: Consider including an area for physical activities such as yoga or a gardening space. Generally speaking, regular exercises are good for mental well-being, and an outdoor space could well be an inspirational reason to make the exercise regime regular.
Social Contact: The importance of community connection also comes through in outdoor living. Community connections are important links in the chain of mental health, and keeping company with neighbors, hosting parties, or simply communicating across shared spaces can help combat feelings of isolation. In the UAE, where community culture is at its vibrancy, designing outdoor spaces to encourage social interaction effectively enhances mental well-being.
On this World Mental Health Day, there is even more reason to learn what role outdoor living can play in mental well-being. We develop a sense of ease and, hopefully, mindfulness and social interaction as we thoughtfully create appealing outdoor spaces filled with the beauty of nature.
Whether it is a small balcony garden or a grand backyard space, perfecting your landscape design can offer better mental well-being. Let us step outside and breathe in some fresh air to create spaces that provide sustenance for the mind and soul. After all, mental health is a journey, and outdoor living is a part of that journey.
This World Mental Health Day, Ducon Outdoor Living reflects on how you can improve your outdoor living space into an inviting space, for you and your loved ones to connect with nature and within. Let us design your landscape into a beautiful outdoor living space that helps our minds and hearts grow healthier and stronger.