As we welcome the new year, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on the year that was and make resolutions to better ourselves or our lives in some way. Creating a list of attainable goals is a great way to get started, with many people choosing goals that are related to their health and well-being. With a list made, we can work on achieving these goals starting right in our own backyard. Research has shown that spending even just a few minutes outdoors each day can bring a multitude of benefits to our body and mind. Here are some ideas to get your own New Year’s resolution list started.
Healthy Eating
Encourage new healthy eating habits by cooking outdoors. Grilling your food on a barbeque can be a healthier cooking option as it allows any fat to drip off the meat as you cook. Choose lean meats and avoid overly processed foods. And it’s not just meat you can grill – many vegetables and fruits are fantastic cooked on the barbeque! Try foods like asparagus, carrots, zucchini, pineapple, figs and pears, just to list a few.
Mindfulness
There are many ways to practice mindfulness and it is very easy to start including it in your lifestyle. Find a comfortable spot in your own backyard – this could be under a shady tree, on a lounge under a pergola. Louvre House louvre roofing systems are a perfect structure to relax under as you can open and close the louvres to allow the perfect amount of sunlight in. Once you are comfortably seated, take a few minutes to close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Take note of the sensations you feel all around you, like the warm sun, cool breeze, or birds chirping. Practicing mindfulness is something that will take time to develop to find your ‘zen’.
Explore new hobbies
Having a hobby is a great way to motivate yourself to get outside more. Gardening is a popular option as you can commit to making it as big or as small as you like. Start with a couple potted plants to begin with, or dive right in and landscape your gardens. Plants such as succulents are great low maintenance options for those with busy lives, while other varieties will require more work so it is important to research to avoid distressing both yourself and the plants. Plants can also be a great way to style your outdoor living area and bring a feeling of calm to it.
You may also consider reading books as a hobby. Set yourself a goal to read a book every month, for example. Instead of reading inside the house, take the opportunity for a change of scenery. Setup in a comfy lounge outside with a beverage and book and enjoy the fresh air while you immerse yourself in the pages of your book.
Exercise
Regular exercise has many positive health benefits, including improving brain function, boosting your mood, great for your muscles and bones, reducing risk of disease, and helping manage weight. Yoga or simple stretches are easy to do in your own backyard and you don’t need any special equipment. Listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts while working out with the help of earbuds or Bluetooth speakers.
Create an outdoor space that you love
Reduce the visual noise in your backyard to create an enjoyable space you will want to spend time in. Make chaotic zones calm and clear any clutter lying around. An outdoor living area should be inviting and functional. Consider a shade structure to make it a usable space all year round. Louvre House offers practical solutions with options to suit your outdoor roofing needs. Whether it’s a louvred roof or insulated roof for cover, or louvre screens or bi-fold doors for privacy, the team at Louvre House can help design an outdoor space you will love. Contact us today!
