When Life Feels Too Loud, Go Outside

There are days where I don’t leave the house.

Not because I don’t want to, but because life just… fills up. A baby to care for. Work to do. Messages to reply to. Meals to think about. A hundred small things that quietly stack on top of each other.

And if a few days pass, I notice it.

That feeling.

A kind of tightness. Restlessness. A low hum of overwhelm that I can’t quite explain. It’s not a crisis. But it’s there.

And almost every time, the thing that shifts it isn’t more information, more productivity, or even more rest.

It’s going outside.

Why modern life leaves us feeling overwhelmed (and what we reach for instead)

We’re living in a time where a lot is being asked of us.

• Parenting

• Work pressure

• Financial stress

• Relationships

• Global uncertainty

• Personal challenges we don’t always talk about

And when it builds up, what do we do? We reach for our phones. We scroll. We consume. We distract.

We go from: stress → screen → more stimulation → more stress

Even our “breaks” are filled with input. And while that might take the edge off in the moment, it rarely gives us what we actually need… regulation.

Getting outdoors: a simple, powerful reset for your nervous system

There’s something deeply grounding about being outside. Fresh air. Natural light. Open space. Movement.

It doesn’t have to be dramatic:

• a walk around the block

• sitting in the sun

• time at the beach

• gardening

• a short hike

• even stepping outside for a few minutes

For me, it’s been walking with Orchard (my baby) in the pram around the estuary. Slow, simple, consistent.

It’s also been working with a nutritionist and lifestyle coach - not to “bounce back”, but to rebuild strength and capability in a way that feels good in my body again.

And underneath all of it is the same principle: Getting outdoors helps us come back to ourselves.

What research says about nature, walking, and mental wellbeing

This isn’t just a feeling - there’s a growing body of research that supports it.

Studies have shown that time in nature can:

• reduce stress and anxiety

• improve mood

• support cognitive function

• reduce rumination (that looping, overthinking pattern)

Even small moments matter. One study from the University of Melbourne found that just 40 seconds of looking at green nature improved concentration and mood.

Forty seconds.

You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul. You need small, consistent resets.

It’s not just walking; it’s reconnecting with nature

Walking is often the easiest entry point. But the real benefit isn’t just the movement, it’s the environment. Nature offers something we don’t get indoors:

• sensory calm

• perspective

• space

• a break from constant input

This could look like:

• swimming in the ocean

• sitting under a tree

• playing outside with your kids

• walking the dog

• getting your hands in the soil

Walking is just the doorway.

Getting outside as a quiet rebellion

In a world designed to keep us:

• scrolling

• comparing

• reacting

• consuming

Choosing to step outside is… different. It’s quiet. It’s simple. It’s not performative. But it is powerful.

It’s choosing:

• your body over the algorithm

• your wellbeing over constant input

• presence over distraction

One idea I’ve recently been introduced to by a friend, Becky (more on her soon), is something called “heart intelligence.” It really stuck with me.The idea that your body often knows what it needs, but your mind needs to catch up. And sometimes, getting outside is the bridge between the two. Perhaps wellness is in allowing our ‘heart intelligence’ to keep showing us that we ARE nature, not separate from it. Heart intelligence also shortens to ‘HI’ which, in an age of Ai, becomes even more important.

Why getting outdoors matters to us at Ethically Kate

This isn’t a new concept in my life. Movement and getting outdoors has always been something I strive to include in my daily rhythm whether it be beach walks with friends, outdoor yoga classes, walking around the vegetable garden, or a run.

But lately, it’s felt more essential than ever.

Especially in this season of early parenthood, running a business, navigating constant changes, and an increasingly unsettled global stage. All of these things have also made me more aware of the example we’re setting for our daughter.

• What does self-care actually look like?

• How do we show her how to regulate, not just talk about it? Because when we model regulation to our children, they are better for it and we are better for it.

This is part of that answer…

Why we’re partnering with Goodbye (and what they stand for)

When we look at brands to work with, it’s never just about the product.

Every brand goes through a detailed audit process where we look at:

• supply chains

• ingredient integrity

• fair pay and labour practices

• packaging and end-of-life impact

• overall transparency

It’s thorough. And not every brand makes it through. Goodbye is one of the few that does and does so with great integrity.

Founded by Becky Cashman (who I mentioned above), who has spent decades as an outdoor guide and outdoor enthusiast, the brand has always been about one thing:

Helping people get outdoors; and stay outdoors comfortably.

From:

• natural insect repellent

• mineral sunscreens

• skin support balms

Everything they create is designed to support time outdoors. Personally, these products have been, and continue to be, a big part of our everyday lives. They come with us on outdoor missions, they’re safe to use on our daughter, Orchard, and aside from the fact they completely align with our family values, they truly work.

But what stood out to us most wasn’t just the products themselves. It’s the philosophy. The mutual understanding that time outdoors:

• supports mental wellbeing

• builds resilience

• reconnects us to ourselves

And that’s a message we wanted to amplify.

Come back to yourself (even just for a moment)

If there’s one thing we hope you take from this, it’s this:

You don’t need to overhaul your life.

You don’t need the perfect routine.

You just need a moment.

Because these things build up; stress, noise, overwhelm. Quietly, over time. Until you feel it. And often, the reset isn’t found in doing more. It’s found when stepping outside.

A small invitation

Today, or tomorrow, take a moment for yourself.

• Step outside

• Feel the sun

• Take a short walk

• Sit somewhere green

• Put your feet in the water

Even 40 seconds can begin to shift something.

Why we’re sharing this

After spending time talking with Becky recently, this message has felt even more important. We’re both deeply passionate about making sure our communities have simple, accessible ways to support their mental wellbeing and stay connected to nature. Because life gets full. And getting outside helps in a huge way.

Making it easier to get outdoors

Sometimes it’s the small things that stop us: bugs, sun, skin irritation.

That’s where Goodbye comes in. Their products are designed to help you get outdoors, stay outdoors, and feel comfortable while you’re there.

We adore their products; certified natural and all made right here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

If that’s helpful for you, you can explore their range here:

Shop Goodbye Outdoor Essentials

We’ve also organised with Becky to make a free Manuka Balm available to you with any purchase. Amazing value! The link above adds it automatically.

But more than anything:

• Step outside

• Take a breath

• Come back to yourself

You might be surprised by what shifts.

FAQs:

While everyone’s experience is different, some simple, evidence-supported practices include:

• Spending time outdoors regularly

• Getting natural sunlight (vitamin D support)

• Gentle movement (walking, stretching, swimming)

• Connecting with others (friends, family)

• Journaling or writing things down

• Reducing screen time where possible

If stress or low mood is ongoing or intense, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional.

How often should I get outside to feel the benefits?

Research suggests even small amounts help.

• As little as a few minutes can shift your state

• Regular daily exposure is ideal

• Longer time in nature (e.g. walks, beach time) compounds the benefit

Consistency matters more than intensity.

Is walking enough, or do I need more intense exercise?

Walking is a great starting point and has proven benefits for:

• mental wellbeing

• cardiovascular health

• stress reduction

More intense exercise can be helpful too, but it’s not required to experience benefits.

Why is nature so effective for mental wellbeing?

Nature helps:

• reduce sensory overload

• calm the nervous system

• improve mood and focus

• interrupt rumination cycles

It provides a different type of input than digital environments; slower, softer, and more regulating.

What makes Goodbye products different?

Goodbye products are:

• designed for outdoor use

• made with low-tox, nature-aligned ingredients

• water-free or low-water formulations

• created with environmental responsibility in mind

They’re built to support time outdoors, not just sit on a shelf.

How does Ethically Kate choose which brands to recommend?

Every brand goes through a detailed assessment process covering:

• supply chain transparency

• ingredient safety

• environmental impact

• labour and ethical practices

• packaging and circularity

Only brands that align strongly with these values are recommended.

Where can I buy Goodbye products?

You can explore the Goodbye range via the link below, which supports Ethically Kate and helps us continue creating content like this.

[Explore Goodbye Outdoor Essentials]

Final note

This article is based on personal experience and general research. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a qualified professional or a trusted support network.