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A linen armchair with a green throw, a lamp just lit, a book and a mug on a stool, slippers on the rug at golden hour

Maison · 10 min

A seat outside your own door

A chair on a step, a balcony or a patch of ground, and ten minutes in it, makes outdoor space of any size somewhere to rest.

10 minutesFrom the library, free to readFour steps
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Outdoor space does not have to be large to be worth something. A balcony, a back step, a shared courtyard or the front of a building can all hold a chair. Ten minutes sitting outside, with nothing to do, is one of the easiest ways to be in the weather and the light.

The steps

Four small steps,in your own time.

  1. Find the nearest outdoor spot you can reach easily and sit in safely: a step, a balcony, a patch of ground, a bench by the entrance.

  2. Put a chair or a cushion there, or keep one by the door that you can carry out in a moment.

  3. Sit for ten minutes with a drink, and look at the sky, the plants, the street or the birds. Leave the phone inside if you can.

  4. Do it again at the same time tomorrow, and notice what has changed: the light, the sounds, the temperature.

The reason

Why it helps

Time outside, even briefly, brings daylight and fresh air, and can help the day feel less shut in. Having a seat already there removes the small decision that so often stops us going. Coming back to the same spot each day gives you something to notice, and a pause that belongs to you.

A gentle variation

If you cannot get outside, sit by an open window or door with a blanket. If you would like more, add one pot with something growing, or a shallow dish of water for birds.

Hands passing a dish across a candlelit table set with glasses and greens

WE · TRIBE

Try itwith someone.

If you look after someone who rarely goes out, a few minutes on the step or balcony together can be a change of scene without a trip. Bring two chairs and a warm layer, and let them choose where to look.

Make it a plan in HIVELIVE, with WE

Try it today

Today, put a chair by an outside door and sit in it for ten minutes.

Add it to your day

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