Backyard Therapy: How Time Outside Lowers Stress Levels

Spending more time in your own yard could be a supercharger for mental wellness.

2025 has been a roller coaster–and with May being Mental Health Awareness Month, there's no better time to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly soothes our busy minds.

While more people are turning to sometimes over-hyped wellness practices to ease anxiety and support their mental health, we at OtO Lawn wondered: could one of the most powerful tools for stress relief be right outside your door?

We've always said there's something calming about watching an OtO unit sweep a perfect arc of water. But we wanted to explore the bigger picture: how does spending time in your yard actually affect your wellbeing? So, we asked 500 U.S. adults who care for their own outdoor spaces - and what we learned surprised even us.

What our survey revealed

• 71% of respondents say their yard “provides a sense of calm during stressful periods.”
• 62% notice a better mood on days they spend time among their plants.
• 58% agree that tending to their lawn or garden helps manage anxiety.
• 67% feel their greenery gives them “a meaningful sense of purpose.”

Notably, the highest levels of positive sentiment came from people aged between 35-44, suggesting this group may be reaping the biggest mental health benefits from their outdoor spaces.

With nearly 7 in 10 respondents agreeing that they notice a drop in stress when they spend time in their garden, these results suggest that the humble backyard may be a more effective wellness tool than that pricey yoga retreat.

Five themes from the survey

1. Gardening is therapy – Many respondents described growing or tending something as their go-to coping mechanism.
2. Private wellness retreats – From grief to job burnout, people say their backyard was their first stop for peace and clarity.
3. Nature’s micro moments matter – The sound of birds, the feeling of sunshine, the smell of flowers or freshly cut grass were named as small cues with big calming power.
4. Pets amplify joy – Playing fetch, watching a cat explore the shrubs, or just lying in the grass together brought noticeable happiness.
5. A space to heal and connect – Yards are not just solitary sanctuaries; many described them as social hubs for BBQs, family time, and fresh-air gatherings.

The science behind “green time”

Research supports what our respondents shared.

Spending time in nature is often associated with mood, overall well-being, and cognitive function.

In one study, Finnish daycare centers replaced gravel yards with patches of forest floor. After just 28 days, children who played in natural areas had stronger immune markers and more diverse skin and gut bacteria — suggesting that even city kids can benefit from playing in the dirt.

Step beyond the fence and you’ll meet the rising practice of forest bathing (shinrinyoku). A recent narrative review of nearly a thousand papers revealed that slow, mindful walks under a canopy were effective in lowering cortisol levels as well as improving negative mood.

While we couldn’t find an exact study yet on backyard time specifically, the evidence is clear: more time outside, more time with plants, more peace of mind.

Three easy ways to get started today

Building your outdoor oasis doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some quick tips to get started today:

1. Start small, dig in – Choose one sunny planter box or corner of your yard. Add a couple of hardy herbs or flowers and get your hands in the soil. Small wins make lasting habits.
2. Think native & low maintenance – Local plants are naturally adapted to your climate, which means less watering, less stress, and more pollinators.
3. Automate the hard part – Consistent watering is the #1 hurdle. A friendly automated sprinkler like the OtO Lawn unit keeps your plants hydrated on autopilot—adjusting for rain and wind so you can enjoy your yard instead of managing it.

Your yard isn‘t just “maintenance”—it’s a wellness studio waiting just outside the back door. Step outside, breathe in, and let nature (and maybe a little smart tech) carry some of the stress for you.

Feeling overwhelmed keeping your space green? Try OtO risk free for 30 days and see how calming your yard can be.