Connecting to the natural world enhances a sense of peace, freedom, and wellness. An outdoor living space with a louvered roof expands your home to embrace a sense of openness and freedom that encourages serenity. While more traditional outdoor structures offer either sun or shade, a louvered roof offers both and is instantly adaptable. Much more than a patio roof or patio cover, luxury louvered roofs create a place you control that adapts to time, events, weather, or mood at the touch of a screen. When you’re more in control of your environment, you can focus on relaxation and mindfulness.
Encourage Mindfulness With These Indoor/Outdoor Living Design Ideas
What is mindfulness? Simply put, it is being fully present, aware of where you are and what you’re doing. It’s the state of being focused without judgment and without attachment to the moment. Mindfulness helps us become more in tune with the “right now.” Why be mindful? Mindfulness practices have been shown to decrease stress, anxiety and depression. As we become more present in our lives and in our relationships with others, mindfulness can lead to better decisions, more stable emotions, and more energy and engagement in life. Here are some ways we can we be more mindful in a thoughtfully designed indoor/outdoor living space:
- Consider the power of color to affect your state of mind. Tranquil shades like light blues, greens, or grays, or a classic clean white hue make us feel calmer.
- Surround yourself with greenery to feel happier and more connected to the natural world
- Embrace the warmth and brightness of natural light for an instant mood lift
- Choose comforting furniture and accessories for a feeling of being soothed and safe
- Select natural materials and textures that are appealing to the touch
The Science Behind Mindfulness
Spending time outside can be seen as a natural medicine for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Many studies have made the connection between good moods and time spent outside. Research suggests that depression and anxiety can be minimized and immune systems strengthened by outdoor time. Despite these beneficial qualities, many of us spend less time outdoors than ideal. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. 87% of that time is spent inside, while the other 6% is spent in automobiles.
How to Create a Mindfulness and Wellness Retreat in Your Own Backyard
For hundred of years gardens played an essential role in the human healing process and overall well-being. Outdoor spaces were designed and valued for their physical, spiritual, and emotional healing properties. As humans slowly moved from rural settings into urban areas over many years, green spaces and their potential for restoration were left behind. Here are some ways to restore an emphasis on mindfulness and wellness in your own backyard:
Meditation Space
Meditation has become a buzzword in the Western world and we’ve all heard the benefits of meditation for body, mind and spirit. While it’s easy enough to choose from hundreds of meditation apps on your phone, a simpler idea might be to set up a dedicated space in your backyard where you can be quiet, peaceful and comfortable. Consider your view and surroundings to pick your space, select comfortable seating, think about adding a water feature for a calming atmosphere, and commit to a daily practice that will transform your backyard into a private retreat.
Enjoy Good Company
Research has shown that a thriving community of family and friends leads to a longer, healthier, and happier life. Make time to entertain in your outdoor living space and welcome good cheer into your home.
Backyard Yoga
Yoga doesn’t have to happen in a studio! All you need outdoors is a flat area with enough room to roll out your mat. Fresh air breezes, warm sunlight, and singing birds add natural delight to your yoga routine.
Cozy Comfort
Feeling comfortable and at ease is essential to wellness and mindfulness. Choose furniture that feels as good as it looks and position your seating to watch butterflies or capture spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the mountains or the ocean. Remember to create seating areas that encourage intimate conversations and always have a soft blanket nearby for when a chill arrives.
Screen Break
Taking a breather from digital devices, one of our most common sources of distraction and negativity is one of the best ways to start increasing well-being and mindfulness.
An outdoor living space with the protection and definition of a beautiful louvered roof can be an ideal environment to start mindfully creating a place in your home where peace and comfort are emphasized and nature takes center stage. Imagine how much more serene and open your home would feel with all barriers removed between inside and outside and take a deep, calming breath.
