Fresh Air

psithurism
(n.) the sound of wind in the trees. 

Being outdoors and "forest-bathing" is not only great for connecting us to nature, but also for mental health benefits. When you are hiking/exercising, your body releases endorphins that connect with receptors in your brain to make you feel less pain. Endorphins stimulate a positive feeling inside of you! Regular hikes and exercise improves sleep, strengthens your heart, reduces stress, keeps mild anxiety/depression away, and lowers your blood pressure. Plus, nature is extremely beautiful and you don't want to miss out on it!

I am fortunate enough to live in the Appalachian mountains where the most incredible views are. Around my area, hiking is something so normal to do on the weekends. (And during the week too! Who am I kidding?) In Pisgah Forest, where we spend most our time, there is tons of places to stop and explore & waterfalls/holes to swim in. There is never a dull moment on the parkway whether its fall, spring, summer, or winter. Simply breathtaking and a great place to make memories. 

Growing up, I always loved riding bikes, walking to my friends, playing basketball, etc. As I got older, my mind changed and I didn't like exercising as much. My freshman year, I was not motivated and wanted to lay in bed all day long. My mom would say, "Come on, let's go on a drive." She would get me in the car and we would ride up to the parkway to help refresh my mentality and body. Just stopping and getting out at the overlooks helped my depression so much. Listening to all the sounds, feeling the air, and seeing mountains for miles made me feel happy and still does. Nature is one of my natural medicines and I'm beyond thankful for it. Also thankful for the ones who have pushed me to get out of the house and go out. Always support your friends/family when they are dealing with depression and anxiety. Offer to take them somewhere open and calm with trees, plants, and sun to relax and release happy chemicals.

Being outside helps build your immune system. Sunlight helps to prevent myopia in children and babies! We love to take our daughter with us whenever we go anywhere outdoors. She enjoys it as much as we do and is always more tranquil than normal while walking around in the woods. We use & love the Babyganics Natural Bug Spray for our little babe. 

My favorite exercise and hiking snacks:

• Nature Valley crunchy granola bars
• Apples, bananas, oranges 
• Kind protein bars
• Pistachios, cashews, almonds
• Larabar cashew cookie mini bars
• Raisins 

At least 30 to 60 minutes of activity outdoors each day is recommended. Going outside for 10-15 minutes and spacing your time out all day is great as well. Getting fresh air is important for your mind and body. Deep breathe to improve your lungs & digestive system. 

While you are enjoying your time in nature, please remember to leave the insects and critters alone as they are very important for our ecosystem; Especially the bees. Know the difference between honey/bumble bees and aggressive bees such as yellow jackets and wasps. To avoid getting stung by any type of bee, it is best to leave them alone and let them do their job: Pollinate. Without them, our plants and crops would not survive. They pollinate one third of our global food supply! Bees keep the cycle of life turning.You can't outsource pollination. Be a honey and help save them! https://savebees.org Xo.