This week, I spent time aerating my fields—punching small holes into the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the roots. It’s a necessary process to keep the ground from becoming too compacted, preventing stagnation and poor growth.
And it got me thinking—when was the last time we aerated our own lives?
Just like soil can become packed down by the elements, we get worn down by stress, routine, and constant demands. If we don’t take time to break things up and create space, we limit our own ability to grow, adapt, and thrive. Long-term growth requires maintenance—if we aren’t consistent in tending to our own well-being, negative patterns take root, and we find ourselves stuck, unable to reach our full potential.
Research backs this up. A study by Denk-Florea et al. (2020) found that self-care activities, detachment from work, social support, and coping strategies significantly mediate resilience—especially in high-pressure professions like law enforcement. Without regular attention to these factors, stress and burnout take hold, much like compacted soil suffocates plant roots.
How Do We Aerate Ourselves?
Create Space for Reflection – If we never pause to reflect, we don’t give ourselves the oxygen we need to think clearly. I’ve found that walking is one of the best ways to do this. Every day, I take a 45-minute walk—alone, no phone, no distractions—just me, nature, and my thoughts. It’s not just about physical activity; it’s about breaking mental compaction, allowing my mind to breathe, and making space for new ideas and solutions. I often find that by the end of my walk, what once felt overwhelming has a new sense of clarity. It’s not hard—but it does take time. The key is consistency.
Let in the Right Nutrients – Just like soil needs fresh water and air, our minds and bodies need quality input. Yet, we consume so much mental junk—social media, sensationalized news, endless noise—that it becomes harder to filter what actually benefits us. This is something I’ve been mindful of while doing 75 Hard, a challenge that includes reading 10 pages of a non-fiction book focused on self-improvement every day. It’s been a game-changer. Reading daily isn’t overwhelming, but over time, the insights build and compound, just like proper soil nourishment leads to healthier crops. A single healthy meal or one great book won’t change much, but consistent nourishment leads to transformation.
Release the Pressure the Right Way – Compacted soil leads to weak roots. The same goes for us. When we don’t relieve pressure in a healthy way, we turn to quick fixes—alcohol, junk food, even self-isolation—things that might feel like relief in the moment but have brutal long-term consequences. I see this all the time—people reaching for whatever numbs the discomfort without realizing the trade-off. Instead, true relief comes from movement, connection, and intentional self-care—getting fresh air, stretching, deep breathing, or simply spending time with people who lift you up. The good news? Aerating isn’t hard—it just requires action. Small, simple habits create room for sustainable growth.
This week, I challenge you to aerate your life. Take a moment to break up the routine, breathe, and create space for growth. Because just like healthy soil, we flourish when we take the time to care for our foundation.
How do you create space in your life for growth? Let’s talk.
Denk-Florea, C., Gancz, B., Gomoiu, A., Ingram, M., Moreton, R., & Pollick, F. (2020). Understanding and supporting law enforcement professionals working with distressing material: Findings from a qualitative study. PLoS ONE, 15. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0242808.