It’s amazing what we can learn from a worldwide pandemic! A lot of people now can do almost everything from the comfort of their own homes! They can work, they can order gifts for family or friends (even have it delivered to that person’s home!), they can get groceries online delivered to their homes, or get good old take out, even from fancy restaurants thanks to businesses like Uber eats or Skip the dishes! Even some doctor’s appointments can be done over the phone!

There is almost no need to ever leave the house!

Being outside and getting fresh air are critical for improving mental health! Do a test about it! Stay inside for one whole day. Check in with yourself at the end of the night. Assess your day? How do you feel at the end of it? The next day, spend at least one hour outside (more if you can). Check in with yourself again at the end of the night. Rate the day and assess how you feel? Are you more tired or more awake on which day?

Work outside if you can!

If you can take a meeting while you’re outside, do it! If you can move your laptop outside to prep meeting notes, presentation notes, or even blog posts!! – do it outside! If you can’t take your work outside, then take your breaks outside! Have a snack while sitting in the sun! Take a walk over lunch! Even walk to a local coffee shop as your coffee break!

Actually do your errands!

I know, I know. You’re busy running around like a chicken with your head cut off! You’ve got to get this kid there, this kid here. You’ve got to fill out this paperwork or prep for that party. Our schedules are busier than ever. Occasionally, you can use any of the delivery services. But getting out of the house is also important. Sometimes, hitting up the local grocery store can be the only outing for the whole week! So just do it! Dress up even! Just use that shop as your excuse to get out of the house. There is no need to stay in all the time!

Cook outside!

Make the most of your outdoor space. Cook on the barbeque. Use a smoker if you have it. Set up an outdoor table and eat outside. There is something so freeing about not having a ceiling above your head.

Ride instead of drive!

Think about your little outings in the car. Where are you driving to, and what do you need to bring with you? Can you ride your bike instead? Can you walk instead? We so quickly default to the fastest way to get to where we need to get to. Make it an adventure! Do you need milk? Grab your bike, bring a backpack, and head to the store! If you’re going to a friend’s house, use your bike to get there instead of driving! Make sure you use a helmet and have appropriate lights on your bike and helmet if you are riding after sundown – but how fun would it be to tell the kids, “Ok, hop on your bike, we are going to So and So’s house?” Watch their eyes! My money is on the fact that their eyes light up – kids are almost always up for adventure!

Better yet… Sleep outside!

Try camping!! Honestly! Get a cabin, a yurt, an RV, or a tent! If you have never done it before, I highly recommend it at least for a couple of nights each year. It is so freeing – even if you don’t like bugs! Spend time watching the stars before you go to bed. Wake up with the sun rise. Give your body a nature reset!

The more we stay away from the outside world, the more anxiety can brew in our minds. We get comfortable inside. We don’t get rained on, we don’t get into road rage battles, we don’t get into fights with line cutters – BUT, we also don’t get out in the world, we don’t make small talk with those random strangers, we don’t get the opportunity to lend a hand on a whim to someone who is struggling to reach the top shelf of the store shelf or pick something up for someone who’s balancing too much.

Today, more than ever, there are so many reasons to hide away and stay inside, but that traps you! Be free, and get some fresh air!

Get outside! You will not regret it!

Thanks for coming home!