Many people have hardly enough time to sit back and breathe. Our world is demanding and fast paced. It's no wonder at least one in two Americans suffered from moderate amounts of stress last year [1]. Many of us have so much on our minds; we can't even sleep at night. Recent studies find about half of Americans are up at night because of stress.

Managing Daily Stress

Don't let stress overrun your life. Taking just a little time to relax will do wonders to reduce stress levels. Having your own sanctuary in which to escape the pressures of daily living is all it takes. Consider the following steps, and you can transform your backyard into a peaceful haven.

1. Bring Unity to Your Design

When thinking up your perfect backyard setting, consider the entire design. You want to create a cohesive feel even while using a variety of textures, colors, and design elements. Feel free to create distinct areas in your yard, but bring them together with common connecting elements.

Winding pathways of stone or concrete can connect different sections. Design elements made from teak or redwood can bring disparate areas together. Consider pairing teak planters with a matching patio rocker and maybe a teak bench in a garden nook.

2. Consider Personalized Calming Elements

Remember the purpose of this space is to help you reduce your levels of stress. What do you find relaxing? If you like tending to an herb garden or cultivating beautiful flowers, then by all means make these things a prominent part of your landscape.

If the idea of regular maintenance raises your blood pressure, then design a backyard, which requires little care. Pick plants, which thrive, in your region with little human intervention. You'll be able to have a burgeoning atmosphere without lifting a finger.

3. Color Your Yard Appropriately

Some colors raise our energy while others foster relaxation and calmness. Blue and green are peaceful colors and fit nicely with a backyard setting.

Feng Shui color schemes can create harmony in outdoor settings [2]. Examine an energy map and learn the elements that correspond to your outdoor space. Match the indicated colors into your setting.

4. It's About More Than Mere Looks

Soothing sounds can have powerful calming effects on us. A gentle breeze blowing through beautiful chimes is ideal for many garden areas. The gurgle of a fountain or splashing of birds in a birdbath often calm and relax.

Install outdoor speakers to increase the potential of your patio or garden area. The ambiance created by music is ideal whether you are entertaining guests or gardening by yourself.

5. Attract Nature's Beauty

Nature provides much potential for reducing stress. Consider the effect of singing birds, the gentle buzz of honeybees, or the beauty of floating butterflies.

Many desirable insects and animals will naturally take refuge in your outdoor space if you design accordingly. Plant blooming flowers, thick bushes, and trees for nesting. Before long your backyard will be full of life.

6. Pick Comfortable Furniture

Allow yourself several areas to relax and enjoy your time. The initial investment in quality furniture is well worth the years of comfort and relaxation they will provide. Perhaps you would like to lounge in a hammock on hot summer afternoons? Consider a chase lounge with cozy cushions or an elegant bench near a fountain.

7. Plan for Hot and Cool

Design with varied weather in mind. Ensure you have a shaded area for hot summer days. Ceiling fans in a covered porch do wonders in hot weather. Large umbrellas can provide shade in grassy areas. Open areas with direct sunlight are best on cool days.

8. Add Calming Aromas

Nothing completes the feel of a space like comforting smells. The hint of herbs like sage, mint, or basil warming in the sun offers another layer to your backyard haven. Plant flowers or bushes that have pleasant aromas. Add scented candles or incense to your patio area.

9. Fire Creates Warmth in Any Setting

Flickering flames have long distracted people from daily stress. A simple fire pit is ideal for cool afternoons. An outdoor fireplace is perfect for evening gatherings. Tiki torches offer fun lighting elements and can be used to bring light to distant garden alcoves during summer gatherings.

10. Relax with Enjoyable Games

Backyard games are ideal for summer gatherings, and they take our minds off of the daily grind. Consider horseshoes or croquet, which can be played alone or with company. Stow some board games in your patio area, just in case.

Enjoy Your New Haven

Although most of us experience some degree of stress in our daily lives, having a relaxing atmosphere to spend time in can melt away anxiety and worry. Take a little time each day to enjoy your outdoor space. Tend to your garden, listen to the birds and the bees, and remember that life doesn't always have to be stressful.

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Kimberly Aardal is the Publisher of EveryDayRockingChairs.com, which is a great resource for finding information on a beautiful wood porch rocker, porch chairs, and many other furnishing for your outdoor paradise. Kimberly and her husband Jon live with their yellow lab in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. They enjoy hiking during the summer and skiing and snowshoeing throughout the winter months.