Our "go big or go home" culture has left many people feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and gloomy, when all it takes is a lil’ action to turn things around.
Want to try out a new daily habit? I've got a few suggestions.
Here's one:
Step into some green space and literally absorb the goodies your body needs.
Just like we all need sleep, we all need the yummy combo platter that only the outdoors can provide: fresh oxygen, Vitamin D, a restorative break, and awe. Stepping outside is the perfect lil’ habit because any increase in your time spent outdoors can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Studies show that just looking at a photo of nature can make you feel good, so I’ve teamed up with Jason Fitzpatrick, one of my favorite nature photographers, to deliver a dose of beauty right now.

Wow. When I look at Jason’s work, I can’t believe that what I’m seeing is real.
“It’s easy to say that I love the beauty and grandeur of the mountains, and I certainly do. However, I think the peace and simplicity that comes with being in the wilderness also draws me to them. Any stresses or troubles back in the real world are left at the trail head and things become very simple. Hike this many miles. Sit by this creek. Swim in this freezing mountain lake. They are a great balm for the anxiety of modern life.” - Jason Fitzpatrick, Director, Photographer, Filmmaker, Producer
The most generous thing about nature is that its beauty exists everywhere. I absolutely love walking nature trails – no matter where I travel, I whip out my AllTrails app and find an easy dog-friendly hike. Jason hiked the Muir Trail and made a movie about it! But all you really need to goose your happiness and mental stamina is to step outside and take some delicious deep breaths.
Every cell in your body requires a continuous supply of oxygen. The brain uses 20% of the body’s entire intake. When we are inside 24x7, especially in energy efficient buildings that don’t let outdoor air in, we inhale a lot of indoor pollutants. Green space has plants, especially trees, which produce a fresh supply of oxygen. Did you know that one large tree can provide enough oxygen for up to four people?
Nature is genuinely healing, so it’s no surprise that “getting outside” is one of the most popular lil’ habits in my coaching practice. It could be about craving a break, the fresh air, movement, a beautiful view, or even an intentional Vitamin D recharge from sunlight. A few months ago a client turned me on to the app D Minder, which uses location, body type, and time of day to track the Vitamin D (good for disease prevention) that she gets from the sun.
“There is mounting evidence, from dozens and dozens of researchers, that nature has benefits for both physical and psychological human wellbeing. You can boost your mood just by walking in nature, even in urban nature. And the sense of connection you have with the natural world seems to contribute to happiness even when you’re not physically immersed in nature.” - Lisa Nisbet, PhD, Psychologist
Taking a step outside provides a positive disruption to your work, giving your body and mind an opportunity to disconnect from stressors and reconnect with the sights and sounds of nature. And if you add moderate movement once you’re outside, you’ll boost your productivity and creativity for when you return to your tasks.
The most profound impact just might be the sense of awe that nature inspires that reminds us of our place on the planet and how we are interconnected. Can you personally attest to this magic? I can! Feeling shattered by a breakup many many years ago, I took a spontaneous 12-hour roadtrip with my brother to sit on the edge of the Grand Canyon for a much-needed dose of perspective. It was there that I experienced real contentment for the first time in months and finally began to heal. Thankfully, experiencing awe doesn’t require sitting on one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, but I’m a little dramatic!
“A growing body of research suggests that experiencing awe may lead to a wide range of benefits, from happiness and health to perhaps more unexpected benefits such as generosity, humility, and critical thinking.” - Summer Allen, writer/neuroPhD/STEMinist
Spending time in a green space improves your health, your mood, your connection with others, and even your spiritual wellbeing. Start lil’ by opening the door, standing outside and taking three deep breaths. You won’t regret it.
WATCH Jason’s documentary “Mile…Mile & a Half” on your favorite streaming service.
If this LIL’ HABIT resonates with you, create a ripple of action by sharing it with a friend.
Great piece and so true! We've been under the weather the last few days and even a short walk last night helped heal us.