The Simple Daily Ritual That Keeps Me Sane

I didn’t fully realize the impact that being outside has on me until a few years ago. It was a particularly rainy spring, and I had barely stepped outside for a week. By the end, I was short-tempered and snapping at my family, aggravated by every minor inconvenience and feeling completely out of sorts. Looking back, I realized that even a short walk in the drizzle might have helped me reclaim my sense of peace and improve my mood.

I Find Joy and Gratitude in Being Present Among Nature

When I go outside, I can practically feel the static in my brain quiet down. Sometimes I’m productive — deadheading flowers, repotting houseplants or gathering the dozen tennis balls my dogs leave scattered around the yard. At other times, I curl up in a patio chair with a book, write a letter to a friend or simply make my grocery list. Then there are the times when I simply do nothing but enjoy the outdoors — whatever the season — and appreciate the ebb and flow of the natural world right outside my door. These small moments of feeling present and grateful are restorative in a way that scrolling on my phone or binging Netflix could never be.

It’s tempting to dismiss my outdoor rituals as unimportant, especially when life is hectic. But I’ve come to realize that the busier and more chaotic my life is, the more I need these grounding moments. The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” embraces the therapeutic effects of simply being among trees — and people travel long distances to experience the peace that comes from immersing themselves in nature. But we don’t need a forest — a backyard, a neighborhood park or even a tree-lined street can offer the same benefits for our mind, body and soul.

It’s My Daily Reminder to Slow Down and Breathe

Women, in particular, tend to downplay their need for this kind of replenishment. We’re conditioned to prioritize productivity, caregiving and efficiency, often at the expense of our own nervous systems. But self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. For me, it begins with stepping outside and letting the world slow down so I can face my to-do list with a clearer head and steadier heart.

Nature also teaches humility. Watching goslings trail after their parents; seeing that the crape myrtle we planted years ago is now tall enough to cast shade; noticing the colors of fall or animal tracks in the snow — all remind me that life moves on, indifferent to my worries and my deadlines. The cyclical rhythm of nature offers a profound contrast to the constant urgency of human life. And when I allow myself to tune in to that rhythm, even for a few minutes, I feel less frazzled and more grounded.

Of course, there are days when life is so full that I only manage a few minutes outdoors. But even those few minutes are enough to shift my perspective and make the rest of the day feel more manageable. It doesn’t erase my problems, but it helps me slow down, breathe and reconnect with myself.

This morning, I was staring at a list that included calling an electrician, making airline reservations for a family vacation, paying my credit card bill and cleaning my shower. I accomplished everything on my list — after I spent a few minutes savoring a vanilla latte and an apple cider doughnut while watching a pair of Great Blue Herons skim across the smooth surface of the lake behind my house. You’ll still never convince me that camping is fun, but you will almost always find me spending some time outside every day.

Do you agree? Do you try to spend time outdoors every day? Let us know in the comments below.