Anyone who deals with the stresses of the day to day routine knows how important it is to have somewhere you can escape. Some people turn their bathroom into a spa or they turn their bedroom into a retreat space, but others would rather be outside. Sometimes the only way to truly relax is to surround yourself with trees, grass, flowing water, and warm sunshine. Even a small outdoor space can give you somewhere to enjoy the sun, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the cool breezes. There are a number of ways to make your outdoor space feel like it is a million miles from civilization, giving you an opportunity to escape. From wind chimes to garden decor, you will find a number of ways to create a soothing environment right in your backyard. You can just make a few small changes, or you can make drastic changes and turn your space into an outdoor escape.

Begin by clearing out the space. Many people use their yards for storage, or they lack storage for outdoor equipment and the backyard becomes a repository for tools, lawn mowers, tarps, and garbage cans. Consider purchasing something for storage like a shed, or if there is not enough space for a shed, find a bench that offers both storage and seating. Some items need to be stored outdoors, but there is no need to look at the items while trying to enjoy leisure time.

Next, clean up the yard such as weeding, mowing, repairing the exterior of your home and outbuildings, and clearing up yard debris. If you live in an area with seasons you may need to install additional storage for your seasonal items and furniture.

Once you have a clean space, decide how to create a Zen feeling. The key is to keep your space clutter free. Many people enjoy the sound of running water, so a fountain may be a great addition to your outdoor space. Be sure to use the appropriate chemicals and use the fountain on the regular basis so stagnant water does not draw mosquitoes. Also be sure to keep the fountain and the area around it clean. Fire also enhances a space. You can get fire pits and outdoor fire places that come in all shapes and sizes and provide warmth and glow to a space.

Finally, bring greenery into a space if you do not have enough. If you are trying to create a Zen feeling in an urban outdoor space, choose flowers that are easy to care for and that grow in pots.