Heyyyy all you beautiful people out there over yonder and not so yonder as well! I’m curious, where are you guys from anyway?! Drop a comment sharing your current location of choice (if you’re comfy with that!), and a couple fave local spots while you’re at it!👇 As we move into actual summer (FINALLY!) I’m constantly reminded that bigger and better things are out in the world if only we just look out our window once in a while. Does it feel crushing when you’re stuck indoors and it’s beautiful out? Abso-freaking-lutely! However.☝️We here in the HB world make our own choices and that includes getting outdoors as much as possible. And of course, that’s in turn what I’d like to talk to you about today. So, shall we? ☀️

Take Your Fresh Air Break

So many of us are stuck inside looking out, especially when it comes to most day jobs. It pains me to know that this beautiful weather and nature we have surrounding us is so often overlooked, and the only time we get to actually enjoy it is after we’re already pooped out for the day. Boo. ☹️

I’m here to encourage you that you can do both! If you’re in an office space setting, try stepping out for a 5-minute “health” break once every few hours to get some Vitamin D. One time, way back when, I used to work at Taco Bell. Random, I know. But the point is, people stepped out all the time to have their cigarette breaks because it was a necessity to keep them sane. I’m only telling you to do the same, just without the health consequences, of course.

If you’re stuffed up in a medical setting or hospital, try using more than your lunch break to visit the nature areas nearby or the sections of seating outside that always seem to be completely empty for some reason. Literally step outside of your comfort zone and realize that a little fresh air may just do the trick you need to keep going the rest of the day.

If you’re working on adding more intentional habits into your daily routine, you may also enjoy How to Stop Living on Autopilot and Time to Start Thriving In Life . Both are great reminders that small choices, like taking a few minutes outside, can help you feel a little more present in your own life.

Make the Most of the Weather You Get

Okay, but you may be thinking, what if I already have a day job that is outdoors?! Well, I know every single day of the year is no bueno, so don’t feel bad if resentment sets in after a while and you stop appreciating good old Mother Nature. I used to think I wanted to work outside every day of the year. (The joke was on me!) I lasted just two summers in a farm setting where I helped take care of the goats, chickens, and vegetables (loving almost every minute of it), but alas, when it was pouring, snowing, or just extremely hot outside, I was sure regretting the option to be inside with some nice AC.

The point of today’s post isn’t to make you feel bad about whatever situation you’re currently in, but rather to make the most of the situation that you could be a part of instead! Stay up early instead of going back to sleep, enjoy a nap when the suns too hot and take in the good weather when it hits us. (Some of us get good weather more often than others, and I’m super jelly of that! …I’m looking at you Phoenix!!) 👀

As this summer weather creeps up and we’re able to be in better spirits, I’m hopeful you’ll take the opportunity to try a new thing.
Here’s a few hobbies I’m planning to do more of this year!

• More kayaking! (We may even finally invest in some of our own!) 🛶
• It’s been nearly a year since we’ve been backpacking (and I miss it SO much), but I do plan on getting out to hike as much as possible! Where’s your favorite trail?
• Camping…like once a month if we can swing it! ⛺️
• Swimming more. I’ll be trying out a local pool now that I’m preggers and heard that swimming is super fun and easy when a tiny human is floating around in you 🤷‍♀️ Buoyancy, right?
• Roller-blading…because of said pregnancy, I’ll have to put this off til next spring which is a bit of a bummer, but as I’ve never tried it I don’t want to fall a bunch 🙈 if you are a seasoned vet, tell me your tips and tricks for us newbies!!

Try the 20-Minute Outdoor Reset

Now, I’m not saying to go out into the wilderness and sit down to scroll, that unfortunately isn’t going to work. You’ll need to set aside actual time to be intentional and just stare at the clouds rolling by, chill in the cool breeze during the evening, or bake a little from the fireball in our sky. Whichever you choose, just work on adding this to your routine for a mere 20 minutes per day. (That’s four teeny tiny breaks, bro).

Seriously, 5 minutes before work, two 5 minute breaks during, and one 5 minute break after. Of course, Habitual Balance is all about balancing new habits, so this is just one of those little ones you can sneak into your regular daily routine. Once you’ve tried it consistently for 21 days (Idk if that’s scientifically proven, but my gram used to say it was the magic number to making new habits work, and I think I’m going to stick with that because she was a pretty cool lady).

Let me hear about your experiences on social! Feel free to upload a video of yourself practicing one of these times per day and tag @habitualbalance on TikTok! I’d love to see how your journey is going and hear about any new feelings you’ve learned to regulate from incorporating something new.

Ttyl for more tips and tricks on how to function in this weird world we call adulting, later friends! ✌️🤸

Thanks for Stepping Outside With Me

Thank you so much for being here and reading along! I hope this little 20-minute outdoor habit encourages you to step outside, take a deep breath, and find a few small moments of peace this summer. Whether it is a walk, a porch sit, a quick lunch break in the sun, or just staring at the clouds for a few minutes, I hope you find a simple way to make the season feel a little more intentional.