Our back yard oasis

Yesterday marked the “unofficial” start to summer, which for me, used to be a time to relax, hit the pool, and lounge around for days in the sun with nice cold drinks and my favorite magazines.

This year, though, I’m facing a heavy dose of REALITY:  I’m off to summer school back at my university at the end of this week. And as much as I love spending time in my college town, I feel as if finals just ended and I’m dreading the homework and studying that are looming ahead. But I know that for my own health and wellbeing it’ll be important to insert a glimmer of summer break into my busy schedule.  And one way to do so is to create a place to relax.  Relaxation is an important component of a healthy daily regimen.  It is vital to take time to tune out and shut down, even when you really don’t have “time.”

It’s not always easy to head to an actual oasis such as the beach or a cabin. And as a college student, I’m not given much room to create my own relaxation space, since I live in an apartment and am lucky to even have my own room.  But I’ve made that space my own oasis by keeping it clean and clutter-free and every now and then I light a candle and just sit and veg in order to escape the stress of the daily grind.  I also enjoy spending time outdoors when I’m stressed, enjoying the San Marcos River or going for a walk on a beautiful trail.

My mom has taken the idea of an oasis one step further. My family loves spending time out on the deck in our backyard. It offers a wonderful view of the foothills that is both beautiful and peaceful.  My mom decided our back deck was the perfect place to create our relaxation spot, which has come to be known as “Coach’s Cabana.”  An outdoor wicker couch, a quaint breakfast table, colorful pillows, and vibrant flowers fill this area that we now escape to every evening for iced-cold tea and a view of the sunset.  It’s as if we’re in our own tree house!  Creating a place like this at your own home will provide a healthy escape if you don’t have time for a vacation this summer.  Your home and yard are your canvas; now go create your own oasis!