The coronavirus pandemic changes our priorities, which in turn change our habits. The social distancing rules have a direct effect on our physical body and mental state. Space is becoming a not-so vague idea anymore, we crave for space, for movement, for tension release activities. If you have the minimum of outside space, being a small balcony, a patio, or yard try to make the most of it. Use it with intention, make it your own, work on the elements that make you happy.

How Can You Create Your Garden Sanctuary?

• Intentions. First, set your intentions. Find ways to include nature in your daily activities. Where you had breakfast indoors, have breakfast outdoors. Where you practised yoga in front of your window, practice outside. Then choose for the right space. Choose comfortable corners to practice yoga, to breathe, to meditate, to read a book in silence. And if you have a bigger garden or a big enough terrace, it’s time to bring back some life to these winter colours, plant some, and plant some more. Make your outdoor space inviting.

• Plants and Flowers. Create privacy and a sense of natural calm. Surround your meditation or yoga area with a few shrubs. Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata) would be a great choice. It has wonderfully scented white flowers and aromatic dark green leaves. For bigger gardens, I would use Osmanthus burkwoodii, which is also an evergreen shrub with highly scented,  jasmine-like, white flowers. Osmanthus also does well in shade. If you don’t have enough space to plant shrubs, surround your yoga mat with a few pots planted with lavender and rosemary. The calming fragrance of those aromatic herbs will make you feel in control. For some airy fresh feeling, awaken your garden with tall grasses and watch them dance.

• The Water Element. If you want to go a step further how about adding some water to your haven? If you don’t have a big garden space, and no possibility for natural streams, or waterfalls, ponds are becoming very popular in gardens. They help you relax and at their best, they look entirely natural. And you can add plants inside or outside the pod to add colour or to attract insects, birds or even frogs. Water fountains are also easy and simple to install. Imagine the beautiful nature sounds around you while practising yoga or meditating.

• The Fire Element. You can invite the warming element of fire into your garden by installing lanterns, fire pits and fireplaces. The flickering candlelight of a lantern or the crackling campfire will add a warming and magical atmosphere into your garden. The perfect element to practice yin or restorative yoga, relax your muscles and soften.

Enjoy Your Private Outdoors Haven

Begin your day in nature. Meditate in silence and salute the sun with yoga, or light stretching. I found out that beginning my morning outdoors with a little yoga or meditation has a huge effect on me for the rest of the day. I focus better and I feel more empowered and calm when I head back inside to start my day. The best place for your morning routine is a quiet spot in the garden, where you can sit undisturbed and enjoy the morning light. Studies show that exposing our skin to early morning light helps us feel happier, sleep better and become healthier.

Claim your privacy. Do you know those times when you want to relax alone? You don’t need to be an introvert to enjoy some me-time. Why not listen to music or read a book in a quiet corner outside on your garden/balcony/terrace instead? It doesn’t have to be summer, you can enjoy nature all year-round. And staying inside for weeks, because of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, can affect family dynamics, it’s important to breathe some fresh air and get in touch with yourself every day.

Nature helps us to find relaxation and restore balance. Spending time outdoors has a huge effect on our health and well being. Our brain finds new ways to relax and we can connect better with ourselves and the others around us. And in times like these, we need nature more than ever.

If you need our advice to create your own private garden (yoga) retreat, do not hesitate to contact Botaniq for a consultation!

Content Editor Sofia Simeonidou