Knowing how to decompress after work can be difficult.
And I know I advocate leaving the World behind for a few days, if you can. But, I also know that’s not always possible.
I’ve had my fair share of 80+ hour weeks, so I understand that finding time isn’t always simple.
You should remember though, decompression doesn’t require a grand weekend expedition. It can start with small, daily moments outside.
So, to get you started, I’ve put together 5 simple things you can do in just a few minutes. Clearly, the more frequently you can do things like these, the better the overall effect will be. And every minute helps.
Let’s get into it 🙂
Simple things to try
Here are 5 simple ways to let nature reset your nervous system tonight, taking less than 10 minutes each.
1. The barefoot grass reset
Take off your shoes and socks, then step directly onto a patch of grass in your garden or a nearby park. Stand still for a couple of minutes, and focus entirely on the cool texture under your feet to instantly ground your mind.
2. The open-sky breathing pause
Step outside and look directly up at the sky, whether it is clear or cloudy. Take five deep breaths while letting your eyes wander across the wide space above you to shake off the stress or tension your workplace is creating.
3. Touch the bark of a tree
Walk up to the nearest tree and place your palms flat against the trunk. Notice the rough texture, the temperature of the wood, and the steady weight of the tree to bring your focus back to the physical world.
4. Listen for distant bird songs
Sit quietly on your doorstep or a garden bench and close your eyes. Listen past the traffic and the neighbourhood noise, until you can pick out the bird calls happening around you. Just concentrate on that sound for a while.
5. The five-minute evening stroll
Leave your phone on the kitchen counter, and walk down your street for just five minutes. Walk at half your usual pace. Notice how the evening light hits the gardens and trees around you. Listen for the sounds of nature… there will be some, no matter where you live.
Remember…
Taking care of your mental well-being does not require grand plans. It starts with these tiny, consistent actions that help reset your mind to a gentle pace.
Now it’s your turn. Which one of these 5 resets are you going to try tonight? Or, if you have your own quick nature trick that I missed, let me know in the comments below!
