Take RELAXING AL FRESCO to a whole new level this summer
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Enjoying balmy sunny days in the garden to relax and reinvigorate
Time to wallow in the joy of lazing away a sunny afternoon, guilt-free! Lounging outside is good for you, relaxing your body and restoring a feel-good mood. There are so many scientific studies that prove being outdoors supports mental and physical wellbeing, and what better place to do it than in your own back garden? So forget about the weeding, ditch the deadheading, and take some time out for you. These simple steps will help you create a state-of-the-art oasis of calm that you won’t want to leave, and reap the ultimate restful rewards from relaxing in it. Bliss!
Lazy gardener SPECIAL
#1 SWAY YOUR WAY TO SANITY
There’s a simple scientifically proven way to get your mind to switch off and your muscles to relax – and it even works after a long day when you have shoulder-knots and a long not-done To-Do list! The regular stimulus of gentle sensory agitation stops the brain looking for threats, and it’s why mothers instinctively rock their babies to calm them, and why rocking back and forth is often an unconscious self-soothing reaction to extreme stress. But you don’t need to be stressed to enjoy the benefits! Lay in a hammock or similar swaying or swinging support, and the movement reinforces endogenous sleep rhythms, helping you to feel calm and sleepy, reducing your anxiety levels and relaxing your muscular stresses.
#2 MAKE A CALMING GARDEN CUPPA
With their healing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and lack of caffeine, floral and herbal teas can be beneficial to our mind and body. Instead of reaching for a teabag, there are lots of garden herbs and flowers that make a tasty happiness-in-a-cup brew. It’s the same easy process whichever you choose. Pop clean leaves or flowers into a jug or an infusion teapot (try Riklig Teapot, £8, ikea.com), pour on boiling water and allow to steep for at least five minutes. Strain, if you’re not using an infusion teapot, and add lemon juice or honey if you like.
✽ Echinacea flowers or leaves taste earthy and floral; add mint leaves to balance the flavour.
✽ Tarragon leaves should be carefully snipped so they don’t bruise to create a tea with aniseed and vanilla tones.
✽ Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) petals make for a delicate slightly sweet cuppa.
✽ Basil leaves have a strong and fragrant flavour and are packed with vitamin K.
✽ Freshly picked chamomile flowers will reward you with
