Sometimes you just have to reconnect…reboot…recharge or restart. What better way to do this than in nature?

As a woodworker and business owner, things can get hectic sometimes. Balancing family, household things, projects, customers and about 50 other things can really pile up from time to time. How can you stay focused? How can you stay the course? What keeps the motivation in line day after day?

While the answer may be different for everyone, here are a few tips I’ve found helpful over the years to give myself a mini reboot at times.

UNPLUG – Nowadays everything is connected and readily available at all times. Emails, texts, social media, phone calls – it’s a LOT. Give yourself some time to unplug. Even if it’s just for an hour a few times each week. Unplug, hop outside for some fresh air and allow yourself to re-center.

GET MOVING – Take some planned down time outside if you can. Include physical activity (hiking, biking, running, chopping firewood, working in the garden…) – connecting with nature as distraction free as possible is HUGELY beneficial to your wellbeing.

TRY SOMETHING NEW – This might sound cliché, but give something new a try. Try a new place to eat (for takeout picnic style), take a different route home on your bike or run, sightsee at a new spot outside of town or in a place you haven’t been before.

Nature is awesome. Reconnecting to it whenever possible throughout your busy weeks can definitely help keep you balanced, motivated and focused to move forward. What are your go to ways to connect with nature and your surroundings?