Millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions every December. You may be one of them. But you probably also know how tough it can be to keep a resolution. It helps if you have a support system, and the right tools to make keeping your resolution as easy as possible.
We’ve personally found that a beautiful outdoor living space helps improve our physical and mental health, as well as provides a great way to connect with family. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common New Year’s resolutions, and look at ways your outdoor living spaces can help you keep your resolution.
If you’re like a lot of families, you spent more time together in 2020 than you have in a long time. But it may not have necessarily been quality time, as you struggled to work from home while helping your children with remote learning.
In 2021, you can spend more quality time with family by creating an inviting patio area with an outdoor fireplace, put in a fire pit with additional seating, and install a new inground pool. With our Maryland weather, you can expect to be outside for at least three seasons.
Whether you put on some pandemic pounds or your doctor told you exercise is good for your heart as well as mental health, exercising more doesn’t have to be drudgery. Utilize your pool for water aerobics or to swim laps.
Build some outdoor games into your landscaping, such as a putting green, bocce ball court, giant chessboard, or horseshoe pits. Playing games burns calories and it fits right in with spending more quality time with your family.
For some alone time, consider creating a Zen garden for meditation, a walkable labyrinth, or a quiet and serene area to practice yoga outdoors.
By “eat better,” we mean eating healthier, but also eating better. Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Look up new recipes, and experiment. Having a fully equipped outdoor kitchen can make food preparation fun. And if you don’t live close to a farmer’s market, consider carving out space in your backyard for your own vegetable garden.
Your landscaping company can help do the hard work of removing sod and amending the soil. If you have a slope or hill on your property, you can also create a terraced garden, which is both beautiful and healthy.
We all need to do our part to protect the planet. Think consciously about creating a habitat for pollinators by using native plants. Using native plants in your landscape can also reduce the amount of watering plants need, and create a source of food and habitat for beneficial insects and birds. And by adding a water feature such as a stream or waterfall, you add a serene feel for you and a source of water for a variety of wildlife.
You can also help the planet by reducing your energy usage. This can include installing new equipment or upgrading existing components, and can include:
One thing the pandemic has taught people around the world is that we should not take this life for granted. Live life to the fullest. Stop putting off that home renovation or outdoor living project. Your home is your castle and your outdoor living space should reflect that.
If you’ve resolved to make 2021 a better year than 2020, we’re right there with you. Make 2021 the year you create an outdoor oasis the whole family can enjoy. Get inspired by checking out our Portfolio page of featured projects. If you like what you see, please reach out to schedule a consultation.
With more than 20 years of landscaping and outdoor living design and installation experience, the team here at LiveWell Outdoors offers a personalized experience, and we deliver distinctive designs that will exceed your expectations.
