Why A Great Backyard Makes You Happier

Having a beautiful backyard isn’t just about a nice view, although that’s part of the equation. When your backyard looks nice, it can actually make you healthier and happier, and you’ll feel more connected to the people you love.

A simple yard can become a personal escape, a place for entertaining guests, and a source of adventure for your kids.

In a world full of constant noise and demands for attention, stepping into a backyard that feels like a vacation can boost your mood, health, and overall happiness. Here’s why.

IMAGE: PEXELS

1. A Nice Backyard Encourages Eating Outdoors

A beautiful backyard will quickly become a gathering place for you and your family to make memories, particularly over meals. It’s the perfect spot to host family dinners, especially when you can cook outside, too.

Whether you only get a grill or build a full outdoor kitchen, eating outside will make family time even better.

2. Your Kids Will Be Happier

Kids spend enough time cooped up indoors at school all day, and recess is never long enough. When your kids have an outdoor space to play, they’ll be happier and healthier.

Whether they sit outside for some quiet time after school, or they shoot hoops on the weekends with their friends, a kid-friendly space in the backyard will encourage laughter, teamwork, and much-needed quiet moments.

3. Nature Is Good For Your Mind, Body, And Soul

Just spending 20 minutes outside can lower stress hormones and improve your mood. If you’re stressed out from work or just by life in general, having a nice backyard to relax in can greatly enhance your mental health.

If you have a tree in your yard that provides shade, put a chair or cushion in the shade and sit quietly whenever you need a break. Finding peaceful moments will reset your brain, improve focus, and stimulate creativity.

Spending time outdoors can also help you get better sleep so you feel fully rested when you wake up in the morning.

4. Exercising Is Fun In The Backyard

If you’ve been trying to figure out how to start a workout routine without driving to the gym, consider setting up an exercise space in your backyard.

It could be as simple as adding a yoga mat in a quiet corner or a mat with some free weights under a covered area. If you don’t have space in your house for a home gym, make use of your backyard.

5. You’ll Reduce Screen Time

The more time you spend outside in your backyard, the less time you’ll spend staring at a screen. Too much screen time is bad for your physical health, and it can also hurt your eyes.

Excessive screen time has been linked to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, obesity, and behavioral issues. It’s not just a problem for kids – it impacts adults, too.

Staring at a screen for seven hours a day has been shown to thin the brain’s cortex, which is related to critical thinking and reasoning.

6. Your Friends Will Want To Visit More Often

With a nice backyard, your friends will accept more invitations and possibly even invite themselves over. The cooler your yard is, the more often you can host fun parties and barbecues. Backyard parties are a great way to bond with friends, family, and neighbors.

7. Gardening Is A Natural Mood Booster

Tending a garden, no matter how small, can give you a sense of accomplishment and joy. Whether you plant flowers or start a vegetable garden, getting your hands in the dirt will feel amazing.

Bright, colorful flowers naturally make people feel happier and more connected to nature, and it feels good to eat vegetables you grew with your own hands. As a bonus, growing your own vegetables means your meals will be healthier, tastier, and pesticide-free.

8. Backyard Projects Build Confidence

Projects that make your backyard look good will give you a sense of pride and confidence. DIY projects are empowering, even if it’s just building a planter box, painting a fence, or installing a fire pit.

9. An Amazing Backyard Will Increase Your Home’s Value

If you decide to sell your home in the future, you’ll be glad you made the backyard look good because that can help you get more bids and sell your property faster.

Home buyers want properties with attractive outdoor spaces and will pay a premium for it.

Happiness Doesn’t Have To Be Far Away

Creating a peaceful backyard will feed your body, mind, and spirit every time you go outside. Whether you’re breathing in the fresh air, cooking something on the grill, or relaxing with a book, your backyard can be a wonderful source of happiness.