Your life can get better, even it means changing your daily routine by just five minutes. Do you believe this?

Sometimes, our lives are hectic.  At other times they can become routine, boring, even a grind.  But when we stop and look around, the world around us is pretty amazing.  I am in Miami, Florida this week.  It is a remarkable place, especially when you can look out your window and see the clear blue ocean.  While here, I was reminded of the rejuvenating power that nature has in our lives.  Here’s why…

Since 2008, more of us live in cities than in the country; in fact the comparison is not even close.  And believe it or not, the average American spends 97% of his or her life indoors.  Wow! That’s pretty sad, if you ask me.  Here’s another jaw-dropper: globally, the so-called “modern” child spends less time outdoors each day than the average prison inmate.

Let that sink in for a minute

The problem is, it turns out our brains are wired to need the outdoors.  When we’re inside, particularly in front of a screen, we’re overusing or hyperfocusing on a few senses, and screening out or depriving all the others.  Going outside increases alpha wave activity in our brains, and relaxes our frontal lobes.  The result is that we are happier and calmer.

This is partly why we’re all working for weekends and vacations, right?  A recent study that actually analyzed results from 10 other studies confirmed that as little as 5 minutes spent outdoors improves both mood and attitude.  Remember when I said your life can get better?  Getting outside will help you get started…

Leave work for lunch

Packing your lunch is economical, but being stuck inside a building all day is genuinely bad for you.  If you bring your lunch, take it outside, maybe to a nearby park.  If you hurry out for take-out, take a few extra minutes and eat outside, instead of rushing back to the office and eating at your desk.  You’re entitled to a lunch break.  Use it.

Hold Meetings Outdoors

Believe me, you’re not the only person who’s sick of being indoors.  If you have outdoor picnic tables or work space at your office (an increasing number of workplaces do) use it!  If you don’t, suggest a meeting at the local coffee shop and sit outside.  An extra bonus is that they probably have free Wi-Fi.

Telecommute

I love this concept.  I know many friends who are able to do this.  If you have the opportunity, seriously consider it.  All you need is your phone and laptop and you can work anywhere around the house, even on your deck or porch.  Even if it’s preferred that you work at your office the majority of the time, you can leave for a meeting and work remotely for part of the day.  When you do, head for outdoor space.

Take/Return Phone Calls Outside

Tell the truth: you use your cell phone more than your landline.  You may even have done away with your landline altogether.  Why not leave the office every once in a while and take your calls outside?  Your brain will thank you, and your calls may be more productive, too.

Offer to pick up food or coffee

Obviously, you’re not looking to be demoted or get away from your work, so don’t let your offer confuse anybody.  Your intent is clear: you say, “I’ll go. I could stand to be outdoors for a minute.” Who knows? You might create a culture shift.

Go Green on Your Desk

This is pretty cool – just having a potted plant near you will provide some of the sensory input you need… you can even enjoy some great smells.  If you choose an herb, like mint or lemongrass, the leaves will give off an odor that can actually help with concentration.

Doesn’t this sound like one simple way to make your life better, even if it’s just five minutes a day?  Try these ideas, and if you’ve thought of others, leave them in the comments.

One last thing:

Within only two weeks remaining to purchase a Made to Thrive t-shirt that helps struggling Veterans get back on their feet, would you please consider helping today?  Please click on the link to offer your support.  I would greatly appreciate it!

P.S.

Remember that when you purchase one of our Made to Thrive t-shirts, you are giving a struggling military family the opportunity to get back on their feet and start living a better life! Click here to help…

Your Virtual Life Mentor,

Doug