Outdoors

Simple & Sustainable

Essentialism can teach us to use nature as a simple, powerful tool. No extra gear or Pinterest-worthy patio setup needed. Just the space you already have available to you.

If you’re reading this, the odds are high that you already understand how important it is to spend time in nature. But you might be interested to know…

• A 15-minute walk in nature can lower stress hormones, reduce anxiety, and improve memory. One study from the University of Michigan showed people performed 20% better on memory tests after a nature walk compared to a city stroll.

• Patients recovering from surgery healed faster and needed less pain medication when they had a view of trees instead of a brick wall.

• Children who spend more time outside have better focus, less anxiety, and improved emotional resilience. Nature literally helps them regulate.

• Even small doses make a difference. A five-minute pause on your porch can slow your heart rate. A backyard lunch can reset a stressful day.

We don’t always need to get away to feel better. We just need to get outside.

Daily Doables

You don’t need a retreat or even a full afternoon to enjoy the benefits of being outside. Just a few minutes each day of decluttering and mindfulness will go a long way.

Here’s seven tiny steps to help you declutter your outdoor space and actually enjoy it. Lets take it one day at a time…

Mon: Step outside and scan your space. Toss one obvious piece of clutter. Then sit for 5 minutes and listen to the sounds around you.

Tue: Pick up any broken or unused items (think toys, tools, pots). Then walk a slow loop around your yard or block. Just breathe.

Wed: Sweep or hose off one small area. A step, corner, or chair. Then enjoy a snack or drink there with no phone in sight.

Thu: Choose one seat or bench to wipe down. Then invite someone to sit with you, even just for a few minutes. Talking optional. :)

Fri: Gather all the loose, random items outside. Sort them into keep, toss, or donate. Then light a candle or bring out a blanket and enjoy the cleared space.

Sat: Completely clear one neglected corner. Remove everything. Wipe it down. Then add something simple you love. A plant, a pretty rock, a chair or whatever. Now sit there for a bit.

Sun: Tidy up one last thing. Maybe it’s a hose, a stack of pots, or a forgotten pile. Then lie down in the grass or on a mat and do nothing for 3 full minutes.

Let me know what you tried!

Note: I’ve attached a free printable version of this checklist that you could print and hang somewhere as a helpful reminder. Let me know what you think!

Parting Points

There is a reason having a window office is so coveted. A reason that whenever someone gets upset, they think or say something to the effect that they need fresh air.

We love to be in water. We love to smell flowers. We love to hear the rain and play in the snow. We love to see rainbows and talk about what animals the clouds look like.

We are suppose to be outside. It makes us happier and healthier.

So get out there whenever you can.

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And as always, I’d love to hear about your challenges and successes. For any questions or feedback, simply reply to this email or set up a time to chat by clicking here. I offer 30 minutes of my time for absolutely free to talk about anything you like.

Either way, I hope to hear from you soon!

Yours in Simplicity,