Feeling Frazzled? Opt Outside

​Modern life is a lot. There are so many inputs. Countless possible distractions. Near constant noise.

The effects of the overload aren’t good for our health. We know this, and yet we continue going. Full speed. Until we can’t keep up any longer.

Frazzled. Overwhelmed.
Stuck. Bored.
Exhausted. Confused.

I’ve discovered that my most effective reset button is always within reach.

Shifting my mood, my energy and my mindset is often as simple as changing my location. I’m always amazed at how quickly I gain a bit of perspective once I opt outside. I am able to feel the shift begin with that first breath of fresh air.

The outdoor activity doesn’t have to be grand. It can be as simple and available as pausing to feel the rain drops on my skin while getting the mail or soak up the warmth of the sun while rounding up the trash cans. 
​

How will you opt outside today?

Walk around the block.
Sit on the deck with a book.
Really notice a bird or a squirrel. 
Watch the clouds.
Have dinner under the stars.
Plop down in the shade.
Hike with a friend.

​

​Nature doesn’t hurry, yet everything is accomplished. 
​   
-Lao Tzu

​

​I first read the quote above years ago when my children were small. Since then it has often served as a reminder for me to stop rushing and trust a more peaceful pace.

Nature has the power to slow us down and provide us with quick relief from the craziness of real life. Our planet has the ability to ground us. (I mean, gravity literally keeps us attached to the ground... how's that for a reminder? :-) 

Whether it’s the majesty of a mountain range or a vast expansive ocean, ‘big nature’ helps us to remember our small place in the grand scheme of the Universe.

And miniature offerings of nature’s magic remind us of the wonder… ladybugs, spiders on their webs, the tiniest flower.
​

When was the last time you let yourself really embrace the "WOW' factor right outside your door? 

​

I believe I live in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States of America. And while I’m still awestruck by the view as I walk to my car from Target or Home Depot, I sometimes forget to utilize the incredible gift that nature provides.

Being outside gives me the opportunity to step away from my mental and physical stuff and connect with something bigger. The Great Outdoors has the ability to empower and inspire us. To calm and soothe. To expand and recharge. 

Let nature work it's magic on you. 

Do you opt outside when life feels too busy to breathe?

I urge you to try it.

Put your toes in the sand or in the green grass.
Find a favorite rock or leaf and hold it in your hand.
Pick (or if needed buy) yourself some flowers.
Enjoy the shade and give thanks to the tree that provides it.
Find a dark sky and become overwhelmed by the stars! 

For me, there’s no quicker way to put my problems in perspective than to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way!

Nature relaxes me and helps me move out of a lack mindset.

Everywhere I look, there’s abundance.
Blades of grass on a lawn 
Leaves on a single tree
Flowers in a meadow
Raindrops or snowflakes
Water in a lake

The coolest thing? All of the mind-blowing, centering energy of Planet Earth is available to us every minute of every day!

​

​

​Everyone should have themselves regularly overwhelmed by Nature. 

-George Harrison 

​
​Wise words. I couldn't agree more. Thanks for being here. I'd love to know... How will you find your dose of nature's medicine today? 

Have a wonderful week. 
​
xo Kristen
​