Stay strong with these powerful daily habits

porch near mount baker recreation area, washington state. © copyright given photography 2020

For many of us the pandemic has tested us both physically and mentally. And that might be an understatement because it often feels like we have a zillion out of the ordinary things to manage and think about—making our lives a bit edgy.

Throughout the years I’ve learned that I absolutely need routine to keep me grounded. It allows me to accept and bend a bit more with challenging times such as what is happening in our world today. Now my routine has morphed into a daily morning ritual that I rarely skip. It has comforted me tremendously through the past couple of months. I call it my morning ritual because it has several habits that I’ve melded together for a lovely, self-nourishing start to my day—and secretly—I really love the mystical connotation associated with the word ritual. But seriously, I started out by adding powerful habits one at a time.

There is no underestimating the power of positive habits. Just google the word and you’ll find hundreds of experts giving examples of habits and how to create them. (You’ll also find a lot of expertise on how to change the not-so-positive habits.) I know from experience, that adding these simple activities to your week will help you stay strong, grounded, feel more balanced, and a whole lot more. So I’ve put together a list of things to do that make great habits and offer a double-dose of goodness by incorporating a nature boost into them. The natural foods, fresh air, outdoor movement, and beauty built into these are all immune boosting and will, without a doubt, help your true spirit shine through.

Give yourself a boost first thing. Take your morning beverage outside to greet your day. Make your beverage warm water with fresh-squeezed lemon juice for a healthy dose of antioxidants including vitamin C.

Take a lunchtime stroll outside. Research shows that sitting for long periods of time can lead to chronic health problems. This habit gets you out of your chair, moves your body, and ensures a daily dose of vitamin D.

Sip lavender tea before bed. According to Andrew Weil, M.D., a nightly cup of this herb tea from the mint family is widely used to help with sleep and relaxation. As an alternative, you can get the same benefits with a few drops of lavender essential oil in a diffuser. Heavenly!

End your day with a short walk. No one can deny that a relaxing evening walk around the neighborhood is a natural way to unwind and let go of the stress from your day.

Spend Sunday mornings at the local food stalls. Nothing like fresh air alive with spicy aromas, noise, music, and laughter while filling your bag with fresh veggies, bread, herbs, and flowers. An upbeat way to jump-start your week.

Do your daily journaling or meditation outside. These have been epic habits for me. Experts say starting small and being persistent are key to sticking with them. Taking it outside a couple of times per week gets you an even higher vibe.

Find beauty out your window. According neuroscientist Esther Sternberg, studies show the mind-body connection between nature scenes and healing. As you move through your home, pause to take in life one beautiful scene at a time. Find the tallest tree, watch a flying bird, gaze at the moon, or notice your neighbors charming blooming pot.

A fresh-air focus. Take three or more deep breaths every time you step outside. Studies show that this slows your heart rate and ultimately, ups your endorphins—the feel good chemical. This simple habit is amazingly powerful. Eventually you’ll find yourself taking deep breaths whenever you cross a threshold.

Hydrate with lime and cucumber water. Putting slices of these natural diuretics in your water and drinking it throughout the day will add powerful anti-inflammatory elements to your diet, says nutritionist Jacqui Justice.

Try two to three of these to see which ones resonate with you. Stick with them for 21 days and according to experts, you will have created a habit.

Note: This post is an expanded version of #102 Create a habit with nature as your backdrop from my ebook, How to Make Every Day a Walk in the Park: 101 Empowering Ways to Connect With Nature (and Yourself).