Unwind And Unplug: The Benefits Of Heavy-Duty Hammocks For Outdoor Enthusiasts
As we built more robust homes to keep us safe, we have inadvertently distanced ourselves from nature and its empowering benefits. We have replaced nights looking at the stars with binge-watching TV, and our sleep routine is a contradiction of fatigue and the dazzling blue light coming from our phones. It is no wonder that millions of people have insomnia issues, which are causing them significant physical and mental health problems.
The interesting fact about such toxic nightly habits is that simple things can eliminate these problems and help us lead healthier and serene lives.
A hammock is an excellent example of something that can transform our lives, and having one in your backyard can bear some incredible benefits that you should not miss out on.
The Benefits Of A Hammock
A heavy-duty hammock is a safe and soothing tool you can set up in your backyard in no time with a hammock stand, and its benefits are remarkable.
1. Enjoy Nature Sounds
Countless apps are available where we can stream green noise to allow our brains to listen to natural sounds. The latter are essential because they promote ease and lessen symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Although green noise is helpful, why not listen to the nature sounds in your backyard if you can? With a hammock, you can unwind after a long day and listen to birds, leaves rustling, dogs barking, and other nature sounds that will bring you peace as you bring yourself back to the present moment.
2. Avoid Tech Distractions
Although bringing your phone along when in your hammock is easy, you can use this elevated bed as a tech-free zone to give yourself a break from technology.
We have allowed our phones to be our masters. We are compelled to answer every email or message promptly and worry about every news story on our feed. Although we can always do our part to help improve the world, we must also realize that we deserve to unplug and be still. If not, we increase our risk of chronic stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.
3. Improve Your Mental Health
Unplugging is crucial, especially in the age of information overload. Our brains can only handle the problems of a limited amount of people. When we are continually made aware of the issues of everyone in the world, we feel helpless, and for good reason. When you unplug, you give your brain some respite and minimize feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Only when you take such breaks will you realize that you cannot help the entire world, but you can do your part by being present and kind to those around you. The rocking and swaying of the hammock will help you feel relaxed in no time, mainly because the hammock engages your vestibular system. Just like the way we rock babies to sleep, a hammock sways us into a gentle and deep sleep.
4. Help Your Back
Many people avoid hammocks because they are afraid of making their backs worse. However, a hammock forces you to sleep in the best position for sleep (on your back), thus taking the pressure off your spine.
Still, if you have spinal problems or nerve issues, a hammock may not suit your back. When in doubt, it is best to consult with your doctor so you do not cause yourself unnecessary pain.
5. Fall Asleep More Quickly
When you have no tech distractions, nature sounds are your background noise, and your eyes are nurtured only by the natural light around you, falling asleep is less complicated. If you have insomnia issues, consider spending some time in your hammock as part of your nightly routine to prepare your body for a deep sleep experience.
If you want to sleep in your bed, be sure not to fall asleep in your hammock, as that may ruin your ability to fall asleep when you are in bed.
6. Look At The Bigger Picture
Hammocks are incredible mental health tools because, among other things, they force us to look up at the sky. When we look at the vastness of the sky and the countless stars, we remember to look at the bigger picture. No matter how big our problems seem, we recognize that we are part of something bigger and reassure ourselves that everything will be alright in the end, regardless of how challenging life feels.
7. Connect With Loved Ones
Hammock time does not have to be a solo venture. Much like looking at the sky, we could all use more tech-free conversations to connect. Hammocks allow for discussion to flow and enable you to communicate with your loved one as you share your thoughts about the day, things that make you anxious, and anything else on your mind.
Conclusion
A hammock is far more than another camping tool to have lying around. It can transform your physical and mental well-being and bring a sense of serenity to your nights, no matter how stressful your days are.
