When was the last time you had fun? Like really had a great time? Chances are that you might have to think harder than you would like to recall a fun memory. Americans are experiencing a fun gap, according to one survey. While most everyone believes it’s important to have fun, more than half of people (58%) reported that they feel limited in their ability to live a fun, happy life.
It’s a real buzzkill, isn’t it? What’s even more disheartening is that some individuals actively limit their own enjoyment.
But here’s the silver lining: prioritizing fun can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. According to Dr. Emma Seppälä, an expert in happiness, health, and success from Stanford University, incorporating more fun into our lives — even in small doses — can boost productivity, charisma, energy levels, and innovation.
Thankfully, you don’t have to go far to inject some fun into your daily life. Transforming your backyard into an entertainment hub not only enhances your own happiness but also creates a welcoming space for your family and guests to enjoy.
3 reasons to add the fun factor to your backyard
From jam-packed schedules to demanding work pressures, the stress you experience day-to-day can take its toll on your physical and mental well-being.
But among the solutions to managing stress is just to simply have fun.Yes, indulging in enjoyable activities can significantly improve your quality of life and overall happiness.
You might be thinking, “But where can I find the time and space to have fun?” Well, the answer might be closer than you think. Adding the fun factor to your backyard can provide a range of benefits that positively impact your well-being.
Relaxation and stress relief
Stress might be a part of daily life but that doesn’t mean it’s not overwhelming. In fact, it can affect your outlook on life, eating habits, and interest in the thing that you love, research shows.
But getting outside when you’re stressed can help you relax. Plus, it can improve your mood and help you fill your cup.
Whether it’s splashing around in a swim spa, lounging in a hammock, or hanging around the fire pit, these moments of relaxation can work wonders for your well-being.
Quality time with loved one
Spending time with family is important. Research shows that quality time can reduce stress, increase happiness, and promote overall mental health. Often, though, we aren’t able to get in that crucial quality family time. In fact, the average American family spends just 37 minutes of quality time together per day during the week [source].
When you design your backyard to have that fun factor, it creates those opportunities for family time. From hosting barbecues to splashing in the family swim spa, your backyard becomes the ultimate gathering spot for laughter, joy, and cherished memories.
Cozy seating areas encourage you to hang out, whether it’s playing a lively card game or spending some quiet moments together. An outdoor theater set-up is the perfect way to break away from the habit of everyone watching their own shows at the end of the day.
Health and happiness
Happiness is an outcome, according to organizational psychologist and behavioral scientist Mike Rucker.
The author of “The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life” says that, too often, people are focused on whether they are happy. Instead, people should ask themselves about how they can enjoy an activity.
And that comes down to seeking out fun.
Play and fun can create feelings of happiness. More than that, having fun triggers the release of endorphins — those all important feel-good hormones. When your backyard has that fun factor, you don’t have to go far to enjoy an activity and boost your mood and overall happiness.
Designing the ultimate fun backyard
Designing the ultimate fun backyard is all about creating a space that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and interests while providing opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and connection with nature and loved ones.
From a backyard swim spa to an outdoor movie theater, these additions can help you take your backyard space to the next level of enjoyment.
Fire pit or outdoor fireplace
As the sun sets, gather around a cozy fire pit or outdoor fireplace for warmth and ambiance. Whether it’s storytelling or roasting marshmallows, this focal point is sure to ignite laughter and create lasting memories.
Outdoor movie theater
Grab the popcorn and your favorite movie! Turning your backyard into a cinema with an outdoor movie theater setup is the perfect way to create opportunities for fun. You can go with a simple white sheet/projector set-up. Or you can go with an inflatable screen, which gives you those drive-in movie theater vibes.
Comfortable seating is a must if you are setting up an outdoor movie theater. Consider options such as outdoor lounge chairs, bean bags, blankets, or even inflatable air sofas. Arrange the seating in a way that allows everyone to have a clear view of the screen without obstruction.
Backyard swim spa
Do you want to add fun and relaxation to your backyard? A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa combines the benefits of an in-ground pool with the therapy of a hot tub.
With a swim spa, you can go for a leisurely swim, take advantage of the hydrotherapy jets, or play a water game. Is your idea of fun relaxing on a beach? You can also spend an afternoon on a pool float, soaking up some vitamin D and gently paddling in the water.
Game area
Whether it’s a ping pong table or a cornhole, outdoor games encourage you to have a little fun in your backyard. Creating a designated game area can add that playful energy to your backyard.
And the best part about an outdoor game area is that you can customize it based on your space and preferences.
Many of your favorite games are now available in outdoor versions. Think Jenga, Connect 4 and chess. Or, you can go with games that are easily stored in a deck box such as spike ball, bocce ball, and croquet.
Outdoor sound system
There’s more to a good playlist than song selection. Music can have an impact on your mood and well-being. And, yes, it can even shift an otherwise boring night into a fun one.
As you upgrade your backyard, an outdoor sound system is a worthwhile addition. You can play some background music when having friends over for dinner or stream your greatest hits to build some energy.
The fun of a family swim spa
Are you designing the ultimate fun backyard? A Michael Phelps swim spa not only makes your outdoor space more enjoyable but benefits your overall health.
The combination of water activities, hydrotherapy features, and the overall convenience of owning a swim spa helps you create the ultimate destination for your family.
Low-impact exercise
A Michael Phelps swim spa provides a spacious area for swimming, aqua jogging, and other water exercise. Unlike a regular swimming pool, a swim spa has an adjustable current that provides resistance for water exercise. You can adjust the speed of the water flow based on your skill level, fitness, and your planned workout.
Swimming and other water exercise are low-impact exercise options. With a water depth of about 51 inches, the buoyancy helps avoid excessive strain on joints and muscles. Exercising in a swim spa can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility. And, yes, it is even enjoyable.
Relaxation and stress relief
After a long and demanding day, nothing quite compares to the feeling of slipping into a soothing swim spa and letting the gentle currents and hydrotherapy jets work their magic.
With a Michel Phelps swim spa, you have the ability to customize your experience. With adjustable jets and pressure settings, you can target specific areas of tension and discomfort, tailoring the therapy to meet your individual needs. You can use the jets in the swim spa to soothe sore muscles, alleviate joint pain, or simply unwind after a hectic day.
But the benefits of hydrotherapy extend beyond just physical relaxation. Warm water has been shown to increase circulation, helping to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles and tissues. The experience will help you feel more relaxed — mentally and physically.
Family fun and entertainment
A Michael Phelps swim spa is for more than just swimming or water exercise. The backyard pool alternative is ideal for families who want to spend time in the water, whether it’s for recreation or relaxation.
You can organize exciting pool games, such as water volleyball or basketball, or simply enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
And don’t forget about the “pool” parties. With a Michael Phelps swim spa, your backyard will become a destination for fun and entertainment. You can host friends and family on a summer afternoon. Or, better yet, pick a day outside of the typical pool season when everyone is missing those summer vibes.
Year-round enjoyment
One of the great advantages of a Michael Phelps swim spa is that it can be enjoyed throughout the year, regardless of the weather. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening, you can adjust the temperature of the water to suit your preferences. Say goodbye to seasonal limitations and embrace the possibility of year-round enjoyment. Imagine taking a refreshing swim in the summer heat or soaking in warm water while surrounded by a snowy winter wonderland. With a swim spa, the enjoyment knows no limits.
How to buy a Michael Phelps swim spa
Are you ready to invest in one of these top swim spas for 2024? A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa is an all-season pool alternative that you can use not just this year but for many years to come. You can click here to learn about how you create a backyard oasis with a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about swim spa ownership. Wondering how much a Michael Phelps swim spa costs? You can request a quote here.