Last week I went on a quick trip out west with the Backcountry & Shopstyle team, and it reignited some strong feelings for me on the topic of getting outdoors and mental health. I’ll touch on that in a bit. We did some stand-up paddleboarding (one of my favorite things to do), ate super fresh oysters straight outta Tomales Bay (honestly, THE best oysters I’ve ever had in my life), hiked a Wildflower Trail in Point Reyes that led us to a gorgeous beach, and overall had an absolute blast chatting the night away with new and old friends in the content creator space.

Deeper than just another #OOTD

I knew this trip was going to be amazing simply because Backcountry was behind it. I’ve been a fan of this outdoor retailer since long before my blogging days. In fact, I purchased my first pair of “real” hiking boots from them years ago. Backcountry carries my favorite outdoorsy + eco-conscious brands such as Patagonia and Fjallraven (shop my full look here), and they often have great deals going on which is another reason I’m drawn to them since outdoors gear can certainly add up! (Feel free to use code ‘JULES15’ for 15% off your first order on Backcountry.com - exclusions apply).

There’s just something about investing in hiking boots and outdoor gear that makes my heart happy. It’s a lot deeper than purchasing just another “outfit of the day”... It’s more like making a promise to myself that I am going to put on those hiking boots and challenge myself to walk a mile further than I thought I could, or that I’m going to invest in my wellbeing by getting outside more, exploring nature, and pushing past my comfort zone.

We had the most vibrant hiking guide named Debra on our trip and she said something that really stuck with me.  

“Everything we inhale, nature exhales. Everything nature exhales, we inhale.” It’s a simple truth.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. To break it down further, 87% of their life is spent indoors, and another 6% of their life spent in automobiles. It’s part of our human design to gravitate towards and want to surround ourselves with other life forms such as humans, plants and animals. It’s called “biophilia”. But, now more than ever we’re becoming increasingly more disconnected from nature, while rates of major depression are also increasing.

Before I flipped a switch + channeled my simplifying journey (and before I had a dog), I could work 16+ hours days and never once leave my NYC apartment on the 20th floor. Back then, I wasn't prioritizing my mental wellbeing or flexing my boundary-setting skills. I was in full-blown, hustle mode. And that, my friends, is far from sustainable long-term. I’ve been there, and I’ve gotten myself out of it time and time again. It's in my DNA to get lost in my work, but I have to actively pull the breaks on myself, get outside, and go see my freakin' friends! That’s why I’m so fired up to talk about this (and it’s what led to me creating the Simplify & Thrive Course).

I’ll stop myself from rambling, but to sum it up, 

Here are three things to consider:

1. Get outside EVERY DAY. Even if it’s for 5-10 minutes.

2. Cultivate more in-person community (especially lookin’ at you, my fellow work-from-home digital entrepreneurs).

3. Crush that “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mentality. It’s not sustainable.

We know nature is thy medicine. It boosts creativity and productivity, combats depression and anxiety, it reinvigorates our sense of purpose and hope, and it’s absolutely essential for us to not only survive but also THRIVE.

You can also download this free list with 15 Simple Ways to Spend More Time Outdoors for some easy outdoor integration inspiration.

Thanks again to the Backcountry & Shopstyle Team for hosting such a beautiful trip and for inspiring this conversation. I’m now so fired up to grab my Backcountry gear and head out for more hiking and exploration with my favorite people (and my dog) beside me! Again, don’t forget you can use the code JULES15 for 15% off your first Backcountry purchase + here’s a link to my favorite products I own from them!

The gorgeous group photos were taken by Jessica Monroy.

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