This simple strategy won’t solve all your problems, but it can make all the difference in your life day to day. It’s one simple thing to do when you’re overwhelmed with life.
By Sarah Mueller, Contributing Writer
I’ve heard from so many people who are overwhelmed, either with the clutter in their lives, or with multiple things. Being overwhelmed can easily lead to anxiety and depression.
I want to share with you a simple strategy I’ve used to cope with that overwhelming feeling. It won’t solve all your problems, but it can make all the difference in your life day to day.
The best part? Now is the perfect time of year to use this strategy!
You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!
My book, You Can Stay At Home With Your Kids: 100 Tips, Tricks, and Ways to Make It Work on a Budget is now available!
This beautiful, hardcover book gives 100 of my best money-saving tips in bite-sized, easily-digestible chunks to help any mom curb spending and create more income for her family.
Each tip comes with an action step to help you make real, lasting change in your family’s bottom line.
When life is overwhelming, one simple thing to do is to go outside.
Can going outside really make such a difference?
Yes it can! Here are 6 reasons why.
1. Going outside gives you a change of scenery.
When you step out the door you’re greeted with the beauty of God’s creation. It reminds you that there’s more to the world than your own corner full of dirty dishes and piles of paper.
Being outside helps you think more objectively. Perhaps things aren’t as bad as you thought. Perhaps you’ll get an idea that will help you change your circumstances.
When I was going through an overwhelming time 2 years ago, I was always astonished at how different (and better) I felt just by leaving the house!
(Psst – don’t miss the checklist at the bottom of this post with more tips on how to cope when you’re overwhelmed.)
2. Going outside gives you fresh air and can get your blood pumping.
Taking a 5-minute power walk down the street or chasing your kids around the yard is a simple thing. But those 5 minutes can be so refreshing to body and mind!
Fresh air and exercise is good for everyone! But even just sitting on your front steps will do you a world of good.
Rainy weather doesn’t have to keep you inside. A quick walk in raincoat and boots is also a nice change of pace. When you come back inside refreshed, life will seem a little more manageable.
3. Going outside makes you notice the little things.
Take the time to notice tiny flowers peeking out of the ground, new leaves ready to burst open, ants busy at work. When you’re overwhelmed with life, it’s hard to notice anything except your own troubles.
Getting out your front door gives you a little distance from your own problems and can put things into perspective. When you come back inside, you may be ready to tackle that pile of paperwork (here are is a simple way to manage paperwork) or make that difficult phone call.
4. Going outside into the sunshine gives your body much-needed Vitamin D!
Vitamin D has a huge range of health benefits including to help normalize blood pressure, regulate your immune system, and lots more! Plus, everyone knows that sunshine makes everything better.
5. Going outside gets you away from all those screens.
You know the ones I’m talking about: TV, iPad and phone (leave it inside!). Rarely does something on a screen make us feel better; usually zoning out on Facebook or in front of the TV just makes us feel worse than before.
6. Going outside is something anyone can do!
You don’t need a plan or complicated schedule. There’s no need to put on your exercise clothes. You don’t need to pay a babysitter.
Just open the door and step outside.
This oh-so-simple act brings so many benefits to everyone, especially when you’re struggling with a hard day or bad news.
Need more encouragement? Get your free checklist!
Going outside is only one of many strategies you can use when you’re overwhelmed. Learn about some other strategies in my free checklist: 4 Easy Steps to Overcoming Overwhelm. You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you can control how you react to them.
Debra Needles
Going outside DOES make me feel better. Another thing that makes me feel better is going to get an ice cream cone (dipped in chocolate) at Arctic Circle (a fast food chain in Utah). That will work every. single. time. 🙂
Sarah Mueller
Mmm! Sounds delish!
Ashley @ DownHomeDuo
Great idea! Going outside always makes me feel better, too. My twins are 17 months and are at the age where they are into everything. It can be frustrating, but yesterday watching my babies play outside was the best part of my day. One of my babies was so fascinated by a tiny leaf. It’s hard to imagine being that little and finding such joy in a simple thing.
Sarah Mueller
How fun! I can remember how stressful it was when my kids were just learning to walk and trying to eat everything they came across 🙂 But going outside is so calming for kids, too.
Aimee
Totally agree! Sometimes just going outside or going to the park makes a huge difference when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It also seems to help me not feel so annoyed by little things. Good post!
Sarah Mueller
Thank you!
Sarah
Going outside really does make a huge difference! I too often push it off when I am busy or feeling stressed instead of just walking outside for a new perspective. Hopefully, this is the encouragement I need to make that choice sooner!
Sarah Mueller
So glad! Thanks for your comment 🙂
Sarah
Oh, I forgot to mention that I think my kids need it even more than I do!
Amy Hagerup
This is great. I love to go outside and yes, we need to take breaks away from our computer screens for sure! What a great reminder. Thanks, sarah.
Trish
Outdoors is refreshing for the mind, soul and spirit! I love to walk barefoot in the cool grass!