Health experts everywhere are talking about the importance of stress relief in everyday life. Stress can be caused by many variable factors and can disrupt your physical, mental and spiritual well being. And because of this, it has become more important for homeowners to incorporate a peaceful outdoor space where they can relax.
There are many ways to ensure that your landscape becomes a welcome escape from the rest of the world. Three interesting ways you can improve the peacefulness of your patio space is to add a fountain, solar lighting, and wind chimes.
Fountains are a way to bring the sounds of nature to your home. They are amazing because you can choose from such a variety, and get as serious as you want about them. The materials they are made of can vary and they can be different sizes and styles. Here are a few types of fountains to consider:
- garden type
- rock waterfalls
- bird bath fountains
- disappearing water features
- tiered water fountains
- rustic or figurine
- pond fountains
- wall hanging type
The garden type is very simple in design, using things like buckets and spigots. Rock waterfalls are usually made a corner of the landscape design. Bird bath fountains vary according to the size and type of bird bath you want to use. They are also cool because they might attract birds. Disappearing water features usually have water that bubbles out of a giant rock and falls into an underground cavern.
Tiered fountains are usually very fancy and look like European designs, rustic fountains can either be made of something like an old wood log, or they can be made from a figurine, such as a stature of an angel, or a Buddah. Pond fountains are usually put in a large space and come out of the center of a pond. Wall hanging fountains are best used in smaller spaces and have a Mediterranean feel to them.
Fountains also look different depending on the type of materials they are made of. Some are made of natural products, while others are made from stone, rocks, concrete, polystone, fiberglass, granite, stainless steel or copper.
My personal favorites are the stainless steel fountains and the copper ones. These can be made of very artistic designs and I like them because of their clean and shiny appearances.
Solar lighting
Solar lighting is a beautiful addition to any patio because it enhances the way your space appears in the evening hours. Nothing is more beautiful than an area that comes alive with colors and interest after the sun goes down. You can use lighting intelligently in such a way as to emphasis certain aspects of your landscape, such as highlighting certain shrubs or flowers, along with your water feature.
You will want to look at using solar lights to save energy, because there are so many new products out there that are solar powered.
Wind chimes
Wind chimes can be a small part of your patio decor, or they can be large. Some are very large and put out more sound, while others are small and almost hidden.
Chimes are beneficial because it is widely known that sound affects the mood and emotions. They originated thousands of years ago are used in the practice of Feng Shui, which focuses on creating a harmonious space. They are usually made from variations of wood, metal, glass, and porcelain. The sounds they produce are just as variable, so it is important to make sure you get a set of chimes that sound good to you.
Scientists have studied how people react to various sounds for many years. Some people respond better to lower frequencies, and others may prefer a higher frequency. It is interesting to realize that we all need something a little unique to help us relax and unwind.
Wind chimes are known to have healing effects, promoting relaxation and helping to relieve emotional stress. Sound therapy is now being recognized as a way to help people with all kinds of problems such as ringing ears, dizziness, and improving mental focus.
About the author
Karen Bresnahan is a professional writer, photographer and artist from Boise, Idaho. She is published as a feature writer and photographer for the Valley News in Meridian, ID, and the Owyhee Avalanche in Homedale, ID. Karen is a small business owner and is currently working on developing a web portfolio of her creative work, which includes Romantic Idaho Weddings, KBLifelines positive quotes, and Idaho Naturals Desertscapes artworks. Her goal is to motivate, educate and inspire others through her writing and photography. Her top interests are the outdoors, travel, art, photography, technology, science, psychology, spirituality, health and fitness, education, history and business. You can connect with her through email at idahokaren1111@gmail.com or on twitter @idaho1111