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COVID quarantine days haven’t been easy. Man is a social animal, and a compulsory cut-off from our social surroundings has been tough on us. In some ways, we have all been forced to recreate means of socializing and wellness for the sake of our sanity! As pictures of people singing, playing music, and flashing candles from their balconies all over the world went viral, I couldn’t help but think of massive ways having a balcony is a boon, and having a balcony in my tiny apartment has been a blessing in disguise for me.
Also Read: Home Design for a Healthy Mind – 12 Cool Ideas to Redesign & Transform your Home!
5 Benefits of having a balcony
If you have a balcony in your room, you can use it to add some positivity to your life, especially if you are in isolation or quarantine. Indeed, my balcony has been a life savior during the lockdown time. Here are my top five reasons why I consider having a balcony to be a blessing.
1. It helps me connect with nature
It’s a vantage point that allows me to gaze at the serenity of a sunset, the magnificence of moonlight, and frolicking parrots at dawn. The rain, rustling leaves, crackling thunder, star-lit skies, and so much more has become a part of my world because I have a balcony.
I had a luxurious view of sea creeks dotted with mangroves and vessels drifting by in one of my earlier apartments that was sea-facing. It was a blessing to wake up to a view like that every morning. The abundance of nature gives us psychological relief, especially in times of resource scarcity. My balcony is where I relax my mind and take in the little miracles of nature. I am blessed; having a patio in my room is a boon!
Read also: Make gratitude your attitude!
2. It gives me a semblance of being social
My balcony gives me a semblance of being social, especially during quarantine. I see people in opposite buildings with their morning cup of tea, some watering their plants, others cooking in their kitchens or playing with their kids. It gives me a sense of life moving on without brakes. It’s a great reminder of the fact that humanity is going through this hour of crisis, and I am not alone in all of this! This has given me a semblance of being social during quarantine time and helps me maintain my sanity.
3. It is my mini wellness retreat
It’s my favorite place to sip my morning tea or evening doze of coconut water. I like to start my day by sitting here in peace, introspecting on the day gone by, and setting intentions for the rest of the day. I like to spend a few minutes soaking in the panoramic view of palms swaying carelessly in the evening breeze.
I have decorated my balcony with my favorite Moroccan lamps, and ogling at these myriad lamps is my reward at the end of a frantic day. It’s my me-time space. Indeed having a balcony is a blessing!
4. It’s my inspiration-corner
The sparks in my mind are abuzz with ideas whenever I spend time here. So I use this space to write, stitch, read, and nourish my plants. I sometimes even rehearse my dance basics (yes, Social Dancing is my passion; I live every day on my balcony)!
A lot of my creative writing came from the time I spent sitting on my balcony and thinking. I care for my plants parked here. I planned some of my career moves lounging here. I listen to my favorite bachata music here occasionally. It’s my space to daydream! And then go after those dreams.
5. It is a family bonding zone
A dear friend of mine uses her spacious balcony for weekend family meals and evening game retreats with her son. You could use this space to play games like chess or scrabble that sharpen your mind, solve puzzles, or do some stargazing with your telescope. Of course, you would need to take safety precautions. You can use this space intelligently for family rituals, like a good morning hug or a good night kiss. This way, you will create special quarantine memories with your family!
Why having a balcony is good for your mental health?
Having a balcony can have positive effects on mental health for several reasons:
- Exposure to natural light: Spending time in natural light can boost our mood and help regulate our circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep patterns and overall well-being. A balcony provides easy access to fresh air and sunlight, even if you don’t have a garden or access to a park.
- Connection with nature: Being able to see greenery and plants, hear birds singing or even just feel the breeze can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Nature has a restorative effect on our minds and bodies.
- Increased sense of space: Even if you live in a small apartment, having a balcony can create the illusion of more space and help prevent feelings of claustrophobia or confinement. It can also be a place to escape to when you need a break from being inside.
- Social interaction: A balcony can be a space for socializing with friends or family, which can improve feelings of connection and social support.
Overall, having a balcony can provide a much-needed connection to the outdoors, which can have significant benefits for mental health and well-being.
Why is balcony important?
A balcony can be an important feature of a home or apartment for a variety of reasons:
- Outdoor space: A balcony provides a space where you can enjoy the outdoors without leaving your home. This can be particularly valuable if you live in a city or an area without easy access to parks or other green spaces.
- Increased living space: A balcony can expand your living space and provide an area for relaxation, dining, or entertaining. It can also be a place to store outdoor furniture or plants.
- Natural light: A balcony can bring natural light into your home, which can have a positive impact on mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.
- Ventilation: A balcony can help improve indoor air quality by providing a way to ventilate your home. Opening the balcony doors can allow fresh air to circulate, which can help reduce pollutants and improve air quality.
- Value: A balcony can add value to your property and make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters.
Overall, a balcony can provide a number of benefits that can make a home more enjoyable, comfortable, and valuable.
