“One of the ways that using a hammock can be helpful as a tool for mental health is by facilitating grounding, which can be a part of practicing mindfulness,” Erin Miers, PsyD, a psychology consultant at Mom Loves Best says. “Just like other strategies to help you ground yourself, using a hammock can help some individuals connect to nature and help them feel more present in their body,” she adds. According to Anne-Marie Emanuelli, a meditation educator and creative director of Mindful Frontiers in New Mexico, mindful movement is a healthy addition to meditation. “Movement can be soothing and relaxing,” she says. Emanuelli explains that using a hammock to sway to the rhythm of your breath can be a great meditation and grounding strategy and may add to your overall practice. Whether you’re looking for a meditation tool or simply a place to unwind and relax, regularly swinging in a hammock could help you melt your daily stress away. Here are the best hammocks on the market. We’re partial to the polyester version because it doesn’t only resist fading but also fights mildew and rot, all while feeling soft. Plus, it comes with its own steel stand and carrying case, making it easy to set up and even easier to take on the go. Price at time of publication: $270 However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t come with its own stand, so you’ll have to find two trees, poles, or other sturdy objects to hang it from. Price at time of publication: $38 “The key to relaxing or sleeping in a hammock is to lie at an angle across it so that it conforms to your body without pressure points," says Kimberly. “These hammocks are created with this in mind and are a great investment for your overall health and wellbeing,” she adds. Price at time of publication: $55 Price at time of publication: $90 Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, it comes with its own pillow. Plus, the open woven rope allows more air circulation around your body, helping to keep you cool. Price at time of publication: $110 The soft cotton is perfect for lounging the day away in comfort. Price at time of publication: $140 Though it doesn’t come with its own stand, chain hanging kits and hooks are included. Price at time of publication: $83 Though it doesn’t come with a stand, it’s possible to order the hammock with tree straps or a hanging kit. Price at time of publication: $90 Price at time of publication: $30 The Natoma Double Camping Hammock (view at Wayfair) is another high-quality option at an affordable price point. While you will need trees or a sturdy hook to hang it up, it’s exceptionally compact and easy to move from one place to the next. It has a load capacity of 265 pounds and thanks to the nylon composition, it’s both durable and lightweight. However, Emanuelli is a fan of “the woven cloth hammocks that stand up to outdoor challenges better than the nylon ones.” And Schultz likes something comfy in cotton. “As for material, I’d go with cotton for cozy, gentle hug feels, and ideally, the hammock should come with padding for that extra touch of comfort,” she says. In addition to the feel of the material, also consider where you’re going to hang the hammock. For example, if it’s going to stay outdoors, opt for something that can withstand the elements. But if the hammock will only be set up inside, you can use whatever material feels best.
Design
With so many hammock options out there, take the time to find one with a design that meets your needs. So if your main goal is finding a hammock that’s comfortable to sleep in, make that the focus of your search. “Make sure you have a hammock that’s designed with a full night’s sleep in mind,” Snyder advises. “You don’t want to worry about falling/flipping out of it in the middle of the night (or during nap times). You also don’t want to wake up with rope burns from sleeping on strings or knots.” Also consider where you plan to hang the hammock—whether it’s between two trees or poles, or from its own stand. “From a purely functional perspective, I prefer hammocks that have their own stands,” Emanuelli explains. “The practicality of this is that the hammock can be moved anywhere outdoors to relate to nature and the environment.”
Spreader bar
If you’re someone who consistently ends up in frustrated tangles when getting in and out of hammocks, Schultz recommends getting one with a spreader bar—which is attached at each end of the hammock to keep the fabric spread out. “The spreader bar also ensures an even weight distribution when you are lying down, allowing for a more relaxing swing rhythm and motion,” she says. “However, if you prefer escaping in a cocoon-like snuggle, go for one without. Neither one is better than the other, it’s just a matter of personal preference.”
Why Trust Verywell Mind
Elizabeth Yuko, Ph.D., is a bioethicist and journalist, as well as an adjunct professor of ethics at Fordham University. She has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more writing on health issues. “As a hammock has no pressure points, it allows your body to sink into complete physical relaxation, prompting the release of any aches or pains,” says Schultz. “In addition, its design helps to improve blood circulation, as it keeps the upper body slightly elevated.” If you’re interested in trying a hammock but are concerned about potential back pain, talk to your doctor about your options, and see if they have any recommendations.
