6 Fantastic Ways To Use Your Patio Alone
Your backyard is a wonderful, beautiful space! It’s great for parties, fantastic for the kids, and an incredible location to sit around with the gang. But what about when you’re alone? Your patio doesn’t have to be reserved for gatherings; it’s also a marvelous place to enjoy solo. Whether you need to escape from the noise of the rest of the family or just want to breathe some fresh air, there are a lot of great activities you can do by yourself in the yard and on the patio.
Meditation
Your work life is full of stress. Your home life may be, too. The noise and activity levels of office and house can be overwhelming at times. It can seem like there’s no escape. Even if you live by yourself or find yourself home alone, all the chores that need to be done inside can make it hard to unwind.
The backyard, though, can let you sneak away at least for a little while and find some quiet time for meditation. Whether you practice a specific method like yoga or want to sit quietly with your eyes closed, your patio is a great place for it.
You can pick the right type of furniture for how you like to meditate or sit on the ground. But using a mat or a rug will definitely make it more comfortable.
Reading
Another great way to pass the time on your patio is with a book. That could be a traditional paper one or maybe you prefer to curl up with your Kindle or another digital device. If you’re reading on your tablet or phone, though, put it in airplane mode so you can enjoy a bit more peace and quiet!
A book light, lamp, or other patio lighting can make it easy to read even when the sun’s gone down.
You can avoid the distractions of the TV and focus on catching up on a novel, biography, or whatever it is that you haven’t found time for!
Exercise
Sometimes you don’t feel like going all the way to the gym. You might not have space inside the house for a workout room. Or maybe you’re tired of looking at the same four walls. But your patio can be a great place for almost any type of exercise.
You can set up a weight bench or have a stationary bike or treadmill. You can have a mat and do crunches and pushups. You might choose to do aerobics or jump rope. The wide-open space is great for getting in shape or staying that way.
If you’re going to use heavier pieces of equipment, of course, you’ll want to be sure they’re under a roof or at least covered up when not in use. Where the weather is more extreme, you’ll probably need to store them in winter. Still, the patio is a great place for exercise when the weather’s good!
Stargazing
Stepping out behind the house late at night is great for some simple stargazing, too. Light pollution can make it tough, but often in the backyard you can see a little more than from the street. That’s because the street lights are blocked by houses and trees surrounding you.
Depending on where you live, you may not be able to see much, but hopefully you’ll be able to pick out the North Star along with the Big Dipper and Little Dipper. If you’re further from densely-populated areas, you might be able to make a wish on a shooting star!
Bird Watching
Another fantastic activity you can enjoy from the comfort of your patio is birdwatching. In most areas, you’ll be surprised that there are so many more species than pigeons close at hand!
A simple field guide can help you identify birds that are likely to be found in your area. It can vary from season to season and region to region, making it an enjoyable activity year-round.
You might even want to add a birdhouse or bird feeder to your yard. Again, different species will be attracted to different seed and may even look for different kinds of houses.
You’ll love all the color and music they bring with them!
Tanning
The yard is also a great place to catch some rays. You can lay out and enjoy the seclusion while the sun adds some color to your skin.
Self-conscious? You can always add a privacy fence around the yard. Another choice is to hang sheer curtains around the patio – light enough to let the light and air pass through but thick enough to block the view.
Don’t forget to use a good sunscreen and not spend too much time under the sun, though! Keep your skin healthy by treating it right.
Preparing Your Patio
Of course, to enjoy your patio to the max, you have to make sure it’s equipped for all the ways you want to use it. If you’re looking for a new patio or need a new surface, stamped concrete is the way to go. You’ll also want to be sure that you have great lighting and furniture to make the space more comfortable and enjoyable. Don’t forget the bug spray, too!
Conclusion
There are many more great ways to pass the time alone in your yard. You’ll enjoy the peace and quiet before needing to re-enter the house and return to the hustle and bustle of daily life. But it’s always good to have a little sanctuary close at hand where you can enjoy a relaxing activity or rest quietly – a rare luxury in the 21st century!
