(ARA) - With spring comes the desire to start fresh and clean house of all that is stressful. It is the season for lying back and compiling a plan for bringing elements of comfort into your life starting with the great outdoors . . . your backyard.

The number one element of comfort when beginning in the outdoors is a hammock. This crafted item has been created with the sole purpose of providing comfort. But, a hammock is just a start. From there, many other elements of comfort come into play including scent, touch, motion, as well as personal and natural comforts.

1. Comforting Use . . .

Choose a hammock that can provide not only unlimited comfort, but also long lasting life in the elements. "Hammocks today are crafted of various types of materials that are durable in the outdoors as well as decorative with soothing colors and coordinating accessories such as pillows for even greater comfort," states Laurie Rudd, creative director for The HammockSource, manufacturer of Hatteras Hammocks and The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammocks. Whether it be backyard, poolside, or lakeside, the use of a hammock enables you to find comfort unlike that provided by any other outdoor furnishing.

2. Comforting Scent . . .

By positioning your hammock next to a flower bed or patio pot brimming with such varieties as lavender, peonies, freesia, or any stress relieving fragrance, you will soon feel your cares soothed away. Positioning your hammock in a garden setting is easily accomplished with the addition of a hammock stand. "Various hammock stand styles are available as well as wheel kits that can make moving your slice of comfort to any relaxing location easy," states Chuck Sineath, president of Nags Head Hammocks.

3. Comforting Touch . . .

Hand-woven rope hammocks can provide body-hugging comfort. This tactile soothing feeling gives great comfort while molding to the exact shape of the user. Hammocks, unlike patio chairs, offer the ability for full body lounging and quilted hammock styles also provide a "floating on air" feeling.

4. Comforting Motion . . .

Even before birth, movement has been known to be soothing. In a hammock, a gentle sway or rocking provides that element of motion. "Hammock accessories today include such items as a hammock rocking kit, states J. R. Pelletier, manager of internet retailer TheHammockCompany.com. "With such a kit, movement can be provided even when a soft breeze is nowhere to be found."

5. Comforting People . . .

Family and friends are always a source of comfort. Lying back in the hammock with a loved one, sitting still for the first time in who knows when will provide comfort for your heart. The stresses of the day won't seem as important from the vantage provided in a hammock.

6. Comforting Naturally . . .

Nature itself, such as that found in your own backyard, provides comfort with its soothing sights and sounds all around you. Lying still to enjoy them is the secret. Place a comfy hammock pillow under your head and relax your shoulders, your neck, all the way to the top of your head. Total comfort can be yours.

Achieving these elements of comfort can be realized in any size backyard setting. And with the purchase of one of the many sizes and styles of hammocks available today, your spring-time home improvement project may just end up improving more than just your outdoor spaces.

For more information about hammocks or hammock accessories, contact: www.thehammocksource.com or www.nagsheadhammocks.com, or www.thehammockcompany.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content