Sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need to refresh the mind and start anew.
Many times in life we find ourselves at a crossroads—when facing a tough decision, when stuck in a rut, when presented with unexpected challenges, when entering a new season of life, or simply when having a “bad day.” While every situation is unique and the best course may also be individualized, there are some actions we can take that almost always improve our outlook. When in doubt, try the following.
Walk Outside
Sunshine, fresh air, and movement can work wonders to improve our mental, emotional, and physical state and prepare us to think clearly and act effectively in our lives.Eat a Nourishing Meal
If we’re hungry, thirsty, or both, we might not bring our best selves to the problem solving table. Having low energy or feeling cranky is not a foundation for good decision-making.Write
Sometimes, what we most need is clarity of thought. Set aside some time with a pen and paper, and pour a brain dump onto the page. Jot down everything that’s running through your mind, from the mundane (“gotta buy milk”) to the extraordinary (“want to open a luxury ice cream shop and coffee bar”). The simple act of writing brings great clarity to formally ambiguous ideas.Talk
Other times, the best way to hash out an issue you’re facing is to talk with a trusted confidant. Verbally articulating your thoughts and actively listening to feedback from someone who has your best interests in mind can be very helpful when at a crossroads.Play
When you feel stuck, like you’ve thought things through every which way and still feel unsure, step away and play. Play with your kids, play your favorite sport or instrument, dabble in your favorite hobby—whatever play looks like to you, have fun, and relax your mind for a while in favor of a joyful, life-giving activity.Nap
If you’re exhausted, it can be tempting to push through that and attempt to handle the matter at hand. If you can get some rest instead and return to the matter refreshed, you’ll usually find a period of sound sleep to be a solid investment.Unplug
The onslaught of stimulation and the draining of energy that our digital devices impose upon us are probably still underrated. Unplug yourself and live freely in the real world for a while to allow yourself to approach your crossroads with an open mind and spirit.Tidy
The state of our outer environment is often reflective of the state of our inner well-being. The simple act of tidying up your space can make a surprisingly big difference in our capacity to take on the demands of life.
