Power of The Outdoors

Quarantine was rough for us and a major factor was the fact that there was a newborn at home. With any newborn, there's a feeling of being stuck and not being able to go wherever you want. You're very much strapped down to a feeding and sleeping schedule, rinse and repeat. Despite the collic and endless wakings at night, I really found my footing in this mom of two being stuck at home life by getting outside. 

March in New England is still cold. It snows sometimes, is generally wet, and really not a great experience if you didn't have to go out. But once I made it a part of my daily routine to get outside in same way, shape, or form, my mood change and my mindset lifted.

Fresh air and even a cloudy day have an effect on you. I swear, I notice a major difference in how I feel on days stuck inside versus days where we can get out, even if it's just for a minute or two. I don't even exercise when going outside all of the time. Sure, sometimes I do and those days I feel extra productive but generally it might look like sitting on the front step for 15 minutes or watching Lincoln climb his playset. 

When we were really stuck at home, I would put Layla into the front carrier and just bask in the sun. We'd go inside and it honestly felt like I'd taken a nap. I felt refreshed and like I could take on the world. ​

I swear that this is a legitimate testimonial that I felt happier and yelled less. Not that I yelled. But there were a million times a day that I felt overwhelmed by normal things like meal prepping and a crying baby and a toddler that just wanted to be held. The outside helped us all feel more peaceful and happy. 

Walks are a game changer.

There were moments when I was pregnant with Layla and Lincoln was only like 8 months old. I created this routine where we'd go for a walk every single morning from 8-9 am before his morning nap. This was my coffee break and my sanity check in. I would sip, we'd talk about what we were seeing. He was strapped into the stroller. 

It saved me in the early months of pregnancy when I was feeling sick, throwing up, and yet our day must go on. 

So I invite you to try it. Go outside for a walk. Go outside and sit on the ground and breathe for 15 minutes. Does it make a difference? Do you feel more sane, a little happier? Let me know!