“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
— Lao Tzu
Coffee Tastes Better Outside
Some mornings begin with alarms, schedules, and to-do lists.
Other mornings begin with a quiet cup of coffee on the porch.
I’ve discovered that the coffee itself isn’t really different.
The setting is.
Stepping outside—even for just ten minutes—changes something.
The morning feels slower.
The air feels fresher.
The birds seem louder.
The sunshine feels warmer.
Somehow, before the day asks anything of us, we’ve already given ourselves a small gift.
I’ve come to believe that coffee really does taste better outside.
Not because it’s brewed differently…
But because we’re different when we drink it there.
🌿 My Story ❤️
One of my favorite moments of the day has become taking my morning coffee outside.
Sometimes it’s on the deck.
Sometimes it’s simply sitting in a chair while the neighborhood is still waking up.
There’s no agenda.
No phone.
No rush.
Just a warm mug, fresh air, and whatever the morning decides to bring.
Some mornings it’s birds singing.
Other mornings it’s the sound of rain on the leaves.
Sometimes the sunrise is spectacular.
Other times it’s simply quiet.
I’ve realized those few minutes aren’t really about coffee.
They’re about beginning the day with intention instead of urgency.
After years of teaching, when mornings often began with lesson plans, bells, and busy hallways, these peaceful moments feel especially meaningful.
They’re a gentle reminder that life doesn’t always have to move so fast.
🌿 Why Taking Your Coffee Outside Helps
Spending just a few minutes outdoors in the morning offers surprising benefits for both body and mind.
Research suggests that combining fresh air, natural light, and a quiet moment can:
🌿 Improve mood by increasing exposure to natural light
🌿 Reduce stress before the day becomes busy
🌿 Improve focus and mental clarity
🌿 Encourage mindfulness and gratitude
🌿 Help establish a calming morning routine
It’s a simple habit.
But like so many things we’ve discovered in this series…
Simple doesn’t mean insignificant.
Sometimes the smallest habits quietly shape the rest of the day.
🌿 This Week’s Small Habit
This week, take your favorite morning drink outside.
It doesn’t have to be coffee.
Tea.
Hot chocolate.
Even a glass of water.
Sit for ten minutes.
Leave your phone inside.
Notice three things you might normally miss.
The breeze.
The birds.
The warmth of the sun.
You don’t have to accomplish anything.
Just be there.
Sometimes that’s enough.
🌿 A Few Things I’m Loving
☕ A favorite ceramic coffee mug
What I love about a beautiful mug is that it turns an ordinary cup of coffee into a small daily ritual you’ll look forward to.
🪑 A comfortable outdoor chair
Whether it’s a porch, patio, or balcony, having one cozy place to sit makes it much easier to create this habit.
🌿 A simple potted herb or flowering plant
Adding a little greenery to your outdoor space makes even the smallest corner feel welcoming and peaceful. I love this set of three neutral pots. They look like real ceramic but are plastic for easier lifting.
📖 A book of daily reflections
Some mornings I enjoy simply listening to nature. Other mornings, reading a page or two gives me something thoughtful to carry into the day.
🕯️ An outdoor lantern or candle
Perfect for early mornings before sunrise or peaceful evenings after sunset. It creates a warm, inviting atmosphere without much effort.
Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Finding the Calm.
🌿 Coming Next
Episode 6: The Gift of Unplugging 📵
Why stepping away from our screens—even for a little while—helps us reconnect with what matters most.
🌿 Continue Your Journey
If you’re looking for simple ways to create a calmer, more intentional life, I’d love for you to join our community.
Download my FREE Weekly Wellness Planner and receive thoughtful printables, gentle encouragement, and each new episode of Small Habits. Big Change delivered straight to your inbox.
Together, we’ll take one small step at a time.
🌿 Until Next Time…
Take a deep breath.
Step outside.
Sip slowly.
Notice the beauty that’s been waiting for you all along.
And remember…
🌿 Finding the Calm
Small Habits. Big Change.