Do you sometimes feel like you’re ‘stuck’? Do you feel trapped between four brick walls? I know I do, especially now with winter creeping in.
It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of routine, feeling stuck, and forgetting that there are small things we can do to break free, even if just a little. I hope the following simple tips can help you the way they worked for me!
Get Up Early To Watch The Sunrise
There’s something grounding about waking up early to greet the sun. It might sound simple, but setting an alarm, checking your phone for the exact time of the sunrise, and stepping outside to watch it can make a world of difference.
I remember the first time I did this last winter. It was cold and dark, and I really didn’t want to leave my warm bed. But as I stood there, watching the horizon shift from darkness to light, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and perspective. It’s a quiet reminder that there’s a rhythm and beauty in nature, even when life feels chaotic.
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, why not go and sit by the sea? The crisp morning air, the sound of the waves, and the slow light of the rising sun can offer a moment of peace.
And it works so much better than starting your day scrolling through social media!
Tip: prepare the night before: make it as easy as possible. For example, lay out your clothes the evening before. When your alarm goes off in the morning, get out of bed right away, put your clothes on, and go!
Do the Things You Keep Putting Off (and Tell Yourself You Can Do Them)
I’ve noticed how often I tell myself I can’t do something, and maybe you do too. I’m great at convincing myself that certain tasks or goals are just out of reach. For example, I’ve always wanted to be the kind of person who runs regularly, but I keep putting it off because I don’t believe I’m capable.
Here’s the thing, though: I’ve never actually given myself the chance to train for it. How do I really know I can’t do it if I’ve never tried?
A tip to tackle procrastination is to set small, manageable goals for yourself. Do not think about running a marathon just yet, start with a 10 minute jog. From there on you can build. Remember that te progress comes from showing up, even imperfectly.
What’s something you’ve been wanting to do but keep delaying? Whether it’s learning a new skill or starting a fitness routine, now is the time. Don’t wait for the perfect moment— the perfect moment is now.
Break Your Routine with Something Unexpected
If you’re usually glued to your desk, take half an hour to go swimming during your lunch break. Or grab a bike and go for a ride around the block.
The key is to step outside, get moving, and give your body and mind a change of pace. It’s surprising how refreshing that can be.
Enjoy the Rain
This is something I still need to try, but I do think it’s one of the best ways to feel truly alive. Imagine walking through the forest on a rainy day, embracing the weather rather than avoiding it. With the right rain gear and shoes, you won’t even mind getting wet. It’s about surrendering to nature.
And once you’re back home, you can reward yourself with a hot shower and a cozy cup of tea.
Why Nature Is Good For Us
You’ve probably noticed that a lot of my suggestions revolve around nature. That’s not by accident.
There’s a growing body of research that shows just how powerful time in nature can be for our mental and physical health. Here are just a few of the many benefits:
- Boosts the immune system (thanks to natural chemicals released by trees)
- Lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels
- Increases creativity
- Encourages physical activity, which is essential for mental and physical health
Phytoncides, natural chemicals released by trees and plants, play a remarkable role in enhancing our immune system. These airborne compounds, particularly abundant in forests, have been shown to increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that fights off viruses and cancerous growths.
Studies conducted in Japan found that spending time in forests, known as “forest bathing” or Shinrin-yoku, significantly increased NK cell activity in participants, with effects lasting for up to a week after their nature immersion
Even a 20-minute walk in a park or green space has been shown to have measurable benefits on mental clarity and mood. The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, take a moment to step outside, even if it’s just in your backyard or down the street.
