"The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul"  – Alfred Austin 

For so many, the garden has been a blissful retreat from the chaos around, where we can enjoy the surroundings and take solace in the simple pleasure of nature.

We truly hope you have been able to find a sense of comfort, solace and peace being outdoors brings, whether it's your own or one of the many beautiful public gardens that have remained open.

Being outside can do so much for us — here are 10 science-backed reasons to spend more time outdoors:

• Walking in nature could improve your short-term memory.
• Being outdoors has a demonstrated destressing effect.
• Spending time outside reduces inflammation.
• Enjoying the outdoors helps eliminate fatigue.
• Outdoor experiences may help fight depression and anxiety.
• Being outside may protect your vision.
• Spending time outside lowers blood pressure.
• Benefits immunity.
• It could improve your ability to focus.
• You may perform better on creative tasks after being outside.

2020 has certainly been the year we have seen more and more people investing in their gardens, be it with a simple tree swing, a garden bench, swing seat or right up to our Swinging Day Bed, do read our blog our Gardens are More Treasured Than Ever looking further into this.

This year we have released our most enduring seat yet, the Painted Accoya Affinity, which boasts a 25-year guarantee and redefines the benchmark for wooden garden furniture and we are confident this will become a best seller in 2021.

So if you have plans for your garden, and spending more time in it as your safe space, do have a talk with us, we are always happy to chat through your ideas with you.

Wishing you and your families a safe and healthy New Year 

If you would like to contribute a guest blog, please contact Siobhan at siobhan@sittingspiritually.co.uk