Day 15 – Elevate the Everyday

April 16, 2019

Spend time in nature to reduce stress.

I came across an article published in the Detroit Free Press about a study completed by University of Michigan researchers, Mary Carol Hunter, Brenda Gillespie and Sophie Yu-Pu Chen. It concluded that an efficient “nature pill” — 20 to 30 minutes walking, sitting or completing a physical activity outside or interacting with nature — can reduce health issues such as chronic stress, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and weight.

A beautiful day at the San Francisco Golden Gate National Park.

Spending time enjoying the outdoors shouldn’t be something we do only when we are on vacation. I know my mood is better, I’m more productive at work, I’m more focused and calmer when I make time to get outside each day.

The simple pleasure of spending time with family outdoors.
Sausalito, California.

Winter is finally behind us and the weather is warming up, mother nature is coming out of hibernation and breaking out in bloom everywhere. It’s a great time to get out there and soak it all in!

There is a special energy outdoors that you won’t experience if you stay inside all day.
Monterey, California coastline.

Take a walk, dust the cobwebs off your bike and go for a bike ride. Skip the gym and go for a run outside instead. Enjoy a meal outdoors or just sit in the sunshine enjoying the beauty all around you.

Sitting along the rim of the Grand Canyon enjoying a hot pizza washed down with a cold beer was my absolute favorite meal of our trip a couple years ago.

So I’m challenging you to get outside today. I promise you will be happy that you did!

Make time everyday to spend outdoors, not just when you are on vacation.
Lassen National Park.

Need some inspiration?

  • Go for a walk.
  • Go for a run.
  • Take a bike ride.
  • Pack a picnic lunch.
  • Plant some flowers in your garden.
  • Read a book outside in the shade.
  • Barbecue your dinner and dine al fresco.
  • Enjoy some birdwatching.
  • Go kayaking.
  • Take a hike.
  • Take some pictures with your phone.
I captured this shot of Lake Tahoe on a hike with my girlfriend using my I-phone.

Whatever you choose to do, get outside, breathe in some fresh air, soak up some sunshine and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature. Go on…get outside and elevate your day!