What comes to mind when you think of health and wellness? Probably hitting the gym, eating more quinoa, or practicing positive affirmations every morning. While all these play a big part in overall well-being, there’s one aspect that’s often overlooked—the great outdoors!
At Torchwood Landscaping, we’ve designed many outdoor spaces in West Michigan with wellness in mind. We’ve seen how well-designed landscapes can improve physical, mental and emotional health. From outdoor kitchens that bring the family together to workout areas that encourage daily movement, noise reduction techniques that clear your mind, and saunas and cold plunges that aid recovery, your outdoor space is more powerful than you think.
In this blog, we’ll break down how creating an outdoor sanctuary can improve your health and wellness in surprising ways.
Cooking Outdoors: The Health Benefits of Fresh Air and Homegrown Food
There’s nothing better than an outdoor barbecue—having close friends or family over, cooking up your favorite meal, and catching up for hours as afternoon becomes evening. Just the thought is relaxing, isn’t it?
Not only that, but how we prepare and enjoy our food matters, and both play into why outdoor entertaining is so rewarding. Yes, it’s backed by science!
Studies suggest that cooking and eating outside reduces stress, and that probably has a lot to do with the sun. Sitting in the sun for just 10-15 minutes per day boosts vitamin D levels, which helps improve your mood. That’s why an afternoon outside with friends over a delicious meal is such a rewarding experience!
Torchwood Tip: If you want to take your outdoor kitchen to the next level, consider adding features like a wood-fired oven (pizza night, anyone?), grill, Blackstone or even a smoker. However you like to cook, it’s easier than ever to do it outdoors.
Homegrown Food for Better Nutrition
While they are a lot of work, gardens are a rewarding way to get in touch with nature. Whether you prefer to plant vegetables, fruit, or herbs, gardens add beauty and vitality to your landscape. And having access to fresh food is a gateway to better health.
A 2018 study shows that about 60% of what we eat every day is processed—yikes. But with fresh food within reach, it’s easier to incorporate whole foods into your meals.
Studies show homegrown food retains more nutrients and is less likely to contain harmful chemicals than store-bought food. And if you’re a gardener, you know how much work goes into hoeing, digging, planting, and weeding—it’s all good exercise! Not only that, did you know that dirt is good for your mental health? Soil contains healthy bacteria that, when absorbed into the skin, increases serotonin levels in the brain. So dig away!
Exercising Outdoors: Nature as Your Gym
We all know the importance of physical exercise for health in West Michigan. You can see people running throughout East Grand Rapids, Ada, Hudsonville, and other communities. But did you know exercising outside has a unique set of benefits you can’t get from a gym? The natural world offers a range of sensory and psychological advantages that can enhance your fitness routine.
A Boost to Your Mental Health
Exercise in nature—whether it’s running, walking, biking or yoga—has been proven to boost mood and lower levels of anxiety and depression.
The sights, sounds and smells of nature contribute to these mental health benefits. The fresh air, the rustling of leaves and even the sound of birds singing all have a calming effect on the mind. Nature is a natural stress reliever and exercising in it amplifies those benefits. So next time you work out, consider hitting the trails instead of a treadmill, or take your yoga mat out onto your patio for your morning warrior pose.
Torchwood Tip: Fixing your lawn’s grading can help you enjoy outdoor exercise even more. An even lawn can make it easier to set up a volleyball net or kick a soccer ball around without the ball rolling away with the grade.
A More Varied and Stimulating Workout
When you exercise outside, the environment around you changes constantly. From walking along the winding paths of Lepard Nature Preserve to doing bodyweight exercises on the grass of Ah-Nab-Awen Park, outdoor exercise engages different muscles than a typical gym workout. The uneven ground of a trail or park forces your body to stabilize itself, which can improve balance and flexibility.
Creating a space for outdoor workouts in your own backyard is easier than you think. Designate an area with plenty of space to move—whether it’s a yoga spot, a gravel path for running or even a small outdoor gym with a pull-up bar, kettlebells or resistance bands. The possibilities are endless!
Reducing Noise Pollution: Calm your Mind with Thoughtful Landscaping
You may love your home and your backyard, but it might be hard to enjoy if you live by a busy street, have outgoing (read: loud) neighbors, or live close to a busy city like downtown Grand Rapids. Don’t pack up and move just yet! Landscaping can actually improve noise reduction when done correctly.
Landscaping for Noise Reduction
One of the most effective ways to reduce noise pollution in your yard is through strategic landscaping. Trees, bushes and other plants can act as a natural sound barrier. Dense shrubbery and thick foliage absorb sound waves, which can reduce the impact of unwanted noise.
Water features—like fountains or ponds—are another great way to mask disruptive noises. The sound of running water can create a peaceful atmosphere while masking background noise like traffic, construction or loud neighbors.
Additionally, building walls or fences from soundproof materials like concrete can create a barrier to external noise. A thoughtfully designed backyard that minimizes noise pollution can become a tranquil retreat.
Health Benefits of Quiet Spaces
Chronic exposure to noise has been linked to increased stress levels, higher blood pressure and even a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. By designing your outdoor space to reduce noise pollution, you’re not just enhancing your physical surroundings—you’re improving your long-term health.
Imagine stepping outside into your backyard where the constant noise of the world fades away. The only sounds you hear are birds chirping, leaves rustling in the wind, or the gentle hum of water flowing from a fountain. The peace and quiet you create in your landscape can be a much needed escape, help you de-stress and clear your mind.
Saunas and Cold Plunges: Outdoor Spaces for Recovery and Rejuvenation
Health and wellness trends come and go, but two features that have stood the test of time are saunas and cold plunges. Whether you’re looking to recover from a tough workout, boost your immunity or improve your mood, these wellness tools have many benefits.
Saunas
Saunas have been around for over 10,000 years, and their therapeutic benefits have stood the test of time. The heat exposure from a sauna is great for relaxing your muscles after a tough workout, improving circulation and cardiovascular health, and sweating out toxins.
Torchwood Tip: Saunas can easily be installed indoors, but consider opting for an outdoor sauna. You can still enjoy an outdoor sauna year-round and can enjoy the view of your backyard while you sweat it out after a long day.
Cold Plunge
Cold plunges have gained a lot of popularity recently, and for good reason. Taking a quick dip in cold water has been shown to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and boost energy. Cold plunges also stimulate the body’s natural healing process by producing white blood cells which support your immune system.
Beyond the physical benefits, cold plunges are invigorating. They trigger endorphins—your body’s natural “feel good” chemicals—and leave you feeling better, even after a grueling workout or long day.
Create Your Own At-Home Spa
Want to have your own personal spa at home? Consider building a sauna and cold plunge in your backyard. Many homeowners are now building these wellness features in their backyards. A sauna tucked away in a private corner of your garden or a cold plunge pool next to a green space is a relaxing retreat at your doorstep.
Turning Your Outdoor Living Space Into a Wellness Sanctuary
Your health and wellness isn’t just about what you eat or how much you exercise—it’s also about creating an environment that supports your wellbeing. A well designed outdoor space can make a big difference to your physical, mental and emotional health.
At Torchwood Landscaping, we believe in the power of the outdoors to help you live your best life. Whether it’s an outdoor kitchen to inspire healthy cooking, a quiet space to escape the noise, an exercise area to boost your fitness, or wellness features like saunas and cold plunges, your landscape can be a powerful tool for better living.
The journey to better health starts in your own backyard. Ready to turn your outdoor space into a wellness sanctuary? Contact us at Torchwood Landscaping and let’s make it happen.
