If you caught my last post, Slow Down to Show Up: How to Find Time for Yourself Every Day, you already know how much I value carving out intentional time for yourself. One of the ways I’ve found most powerful for reconnecting with myself is by heading outdoors. Whether it’s a peaceful walk in the park, a day on the water, or just lounging on the grass with a good playlist, nature offers something unique—a way to recharge, reflect, and spark creativity.
Let’s explore why stepping outside can be transformative for leaders, creatives, and anyone who needs a fresh perspective.
The Power of Nature: Reconnecting with Vision
Nature has a way of bringing us back to center. The serenity of a quiet trail or the rhythmic lapping of water against a kayak can pull you out of the mental noise and into a state of clarity. As leaders, we often face challenges that can cloud our vision—moments when it feels like every decision is the wrong one or when creativity seems impossible to grasp.
Stepping outside, even for a short while, offers a moment to pause and recenter. Studies show that time spent in nature reduces stress, improves focus, and boosts creativity—all things we need when leading teams, solving problems, or chasing big dreams.
Things You Can Do Outdoors to Spark Inspiration
This may seem like a long list, but that’s intentional. I want to show just how many options are available for anyone—regardless of your lifestyle or how much time you have—to experience the benefits of being outdoors. Whether you’re looking for something relaxing, energizing, or simply practical, here are ideas to get you started:
- Go for a Walk: Whether it’s a short stroll down your street, a walk in your local park, or exploring a state hiking trail, walking is one of the easiest ways to clear your mind. If you live near state or national parks, consider getting an annual pass for unlimited access to peaceful and inspiring trails.
- Have a Coffee Outside: Take your morning or afternoon coffee outside—on your porch, in your backyard, or at a local café with outdoor seating. It’s a simple way to enjoy fresh air and reset.
- Visit a Farmer’s Market: Many local farmer’s markets are held outdoors and offer a great mix of fresh produce, live music, and vibrant energy. It’s a sensory experience that can spark inspiration while supporting your community.
- Outdoor Journaling or Sketching: Bring a notebook or sketchpad to a park, beach, or even your backyard. Nature has a way of inspiring thoughts and ideas that flow effortlessly when you’re outside.
- Kayaking: There’s something deeply meditative about being on the water. Whether you’re gliding across a calm lake, paddling along a winding river, or exploring hidden coves by the ocean, kayaking lets your thoughts flow freely. Many state and local parks offer kayak rentals and guided tours to make the experience accessible for beginners.
- Plan a Scenic Drive and Stop Along the Way: Take a drive to a nearby scenic route and make stops at overlooks, small trails, or charming roadside parks. It’s a combination of exploration and relaxation.
- Laying Out: Spread a blanket in your backyard, head to a nearby park, or settle in at the beach. Laying out can be an intentional moment to disconnect and recharge. Bring along a journal to jot down thoughts, a book to immerse yourself in, or just enjoy watching the clouds float by.
- Golfing with Friends: A casual game of golf—or even mini-golf—combines social connection with the fresh air of being outdoors. It’s less about competition and more about shared moments of laughter and conversation. For a fun twist, try disc golf at a local park.
- Play with Your Pet Outdoors: If you have a dog (or an adventurous cat), spending time outside with them—whether it’s at a park, on a trail, or just in your yard—can be a fun and rewarding way to reset.
- Visit a Botanical Garden: Many cities have botanical gardens that are perfect for a leisurely walk while enjoying curated landscapes and seasonal blooms.
- Watch a Sunrise or Sunset: Few things are as humbling and inspiring as watching the sky transform during a sunrise or sunset. Find a spot with a great view, grab a blanket, and let yourself take it all in.
- Volunteer for Outdoor Cleanup Projects: Joining a community cleanup or gardening project is a meaningful way to spend time outdoors, connect with others, and give back to your local environment.
How Nature Boosts Problem-Solving and Creativity
When you’re stuck on a problem or feeling creatively drained, nature doesn’t just offer a break—it provides a reset. Research shows that being in natural environments reduces mental fatigue and improves cognitive flexibility, which helps you think more creatively and solve problems more effectively.
Here’s one tip I’ve found invaluable: when a creative problem comes up, don’t force a solution. Instead, use your phone’s notes app or record a quick voice note. Jot down just the starting point of your idea—it doesn’t need to be perfect. The key is to capture the spark without letting it interrupt your outdoor experience. You’ll be surprised how often these little notes turn into fully formed ideas when you revisit them later.
Finding Serenity on Tough Days
Bad days happen to all of us. And on those days, there’s no better place to be than somewhere serene. Whether it’s sitting by a calm lake, hiking a quiet trail, or simply laying in the grass and staring at the sky, nature gives you the space to breathe and process. It’s like hitting a mental reset button, allowing you to approach challenges with a calmer, clearer mind.
Tips for Leaders: Reconnecting with Vision Outdoors
For leaders, spending time outside is more than a break—it’s an investment in clarity and direction. Here are some ways to make the most of outdoor moments:
- Start Small: You don’t need a full day off to benefit. Even 15 minutes of fresh air can make a difference.
- Leave the Pressure Behind: Let nature set the pace. Don’t bring your to-do list with you—just your presence.
- Use Your Senses: Listen to the sounds, feel the breeze, and take in the sights around you. This mindfulness can spark fresh ideas or reveal solutions.
- Incorporate Others: Invite a friend, colleague, or mentor for an outdoor walk or coffee chat. Conversations in nature tend to flow more freely.
- Make It a Habit: Whether it’s a weekly hike, a morning stroll, or a picnic with family, consistency is key to reaping the benefits of nature.
Why It Works
In today’s fast-paced rat race, it’s easy to forget to slow down and reconnect with what inspires us. Nature offers a space to recalibrate, find clarity, and nurture creativity. It’s where problems become manageable, ideas start flowing, and the bigger picture comes into focus.
So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a breather, step outside. Let the world around you do what it does best: inspire.
Here’s to fresh air, big ideas, and finding joy in the journey. Have any calming outdoorsy suggestions you want to add in? Please it below!
