This month I was challenged by Perk Energy and Soul of Adventure to get outside for 20 minutes every day. I haven't been as consistent as intended with spending intentional time outside -- and I was going to fudge it a bit for this post, but remembered that I don't like frauds. So, here's the full go.
Tl;dr - A Quick Summary
The days I succeeded in going outside, I was much more grounded with my family. I didn't feel as stressed. And if there was a moment where I was overwhelmed, I knew where to go -- right back outside! With three young kids, we are a loud house, so getting overwhelmed can happen quickly. I'm also very stubborn, so on the days I didn't want to go outside, I didn't, and I blamed my extra anxiety of everyone else. The kids were too loud. My husband wasn't doing enough. My hormones.
But sitting now and journaling, I know being outside didn't take my stresses away, but it helped to expand my patience levels to be able to withstand more pressure. It definitely something I need to apply more. Especially as the school year is ending, and all three kids will be home! Some things I know will help me succeed, and keep my emotions in check:
Start With A Purpose
I am incapable of doing nothing, relaxing, as other people call it. It really take a lot of effort to be in the moment. So, in order to take time being outside, I had to create a small goal, to trick myself into taking a step back. Once I was outside, away from my phone and calendars and to-do lists, I was able to find that peace, and enjoy the slower pace away from the noise and tech. My outside goals were things like:
- Fill a bucket of weeds
- Pull weeds from a specific section (i.e. under that tree, around the A/C)
- Water the sapling trees
- Walk the yard, cleaning up after the dog
- Transplant my too-large porch plants to the yard
Take a Moment
Moving away from the gardening and plant-life, a few days included simple things like walking to the mailbox alone. Then I would take the mail directly to the recycle bin outside, and sort the junk mail there. Or catching a neighbor outside and asking how their daughter is doing in college. Even just a "I'm outta here" walk around the block, instead of exploding at my children.
As we're heading into summer, it's going to be more difficult to not melt in the Orlando sun. But there are solutions! Waking up early doesn't sound the most fun, but take a walk in the evening! Or find a swimming pool. Even run through the sprinklers with your kiddos. Get out of your house, and get out of your head!
If you're interested in more information about Perk Energy, check out these posts: Perk Energy - A Warning For The Anxious, Favorite Things: Perk Energy, Perk Chill, Perk Wellness - Flavor Review.
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