Commentary by Randy Sorrell and Bill Bernard
If past experience is to be trusted, the polar vortex we seem to be stuck in will fade away. Before long, the spring flowers will be poking out of the ground and we will all be finding reasons to spend time outside.
I recently read an article on the health benefits of spending time outdoors. The author listed benefits such as improving short-term memory, reducing stress and easing mental fatigue. Spending time outdoors may also have a restorative effect that can lead to improved focus. With all of these potentially life-improving effects, I’m looking for ways to spend more time outside. Even when it’s bitter cold outside, it helps to spend time imagining and planning what you’ll be doing when the temperatures cooperate. I’ve been spending time planning my vegetable garden, starting seedlings and caring for the citrus trees I brought indoors last fall.
This also is the perfect time to plan on improving your outdoor living areas. Is it time to update/expand your deck or patio? How nice would it be to add a fire feature to sit around, or a pergola to sit under while you’re enjoying time outdoors and improving your well-being. Even the planning process can have restorative effects on your mental health.
It’s never too early to start planning. Give us a call so we can help you evaluate your outdoor living options and improve your health.
Stay home, be moved.
