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As the temperature has started rise, so has my excitement for spending some much-needed quality time with good ol' Mother Nature. I really think most people underestimate the power of the great outdoors...I say that because even though I continuously experience the amazing impact it has on me (mood, clarity, sense of peace, energy), it's strangely sometimes a little difficult to come around and commit to an afternoon outside. This is why the second it's warm enough, I take the initiative to exercise in the open air.
I could go on and on about the science behind the Earth emitting certain ions & positive vibrations, the sun serving us nice hot, heaping servings of vitamin D, and the multitude of studies that show how healing nature is (anxiety, depression, etc.), but I don't need to because a majority of the population has experienced the "feel good" for themselves!

All of the Blue Zones (where people live the longest, have less illness and health disorders, and have a much shorter period of compromised quality of life, due to deterioration) have quite a few common threads. One of the consistencies is that these people spend a lot of their everyday outdoors! The only Blue Zone in America actually devotes part of their week to spending time with nature, as part of their religious practice.

So, this isn't an informative blog entry as much as it is a persuasive one. GO OUTSIDE AND BREATHE. Stroll, run, play a sport, take your dog, take your kids, have a picnic, paint, or just sit outside and think of all of the things you have to be grateful for! All of these things: togetherness, exercise, conscious breathing, creativity, giving gratitude- are all activities that have been proven to promote health and well-being.  For those of you who have periods when your head is a little grey (or closer to doom and gloom) and this suggestion sounds kind of awful...YOU are the perfect candidate for this little excursion! It's the perfect remedy. Drag yourself outside.

So, this week, schedule a date with Mother Nature- she's generous, vibrant, nurturing, and best of all, she's cheap! ; ) 

What ways do you enjoy being outdoors? Share below!