There's Still Time

I love flowers.  I can't get enough of them. 

Hello readers.  You may be asking there's still time for what?  The answer is to enjoy the summer and get outside.  Recently my husband and I were talking about how we as a nation need to get outside and put away our technology.  

There have been many articles stating the benefits of fresh air and green space.  However for me I came up with a short list of why I like to get outside.  Here they are:

• I feel better when I spend sometime outside.  This could be only 15 minutes, but it really does help.  I won't lie though the more time out the better for me.  It does wonders for my body, mind and spirit.
• If I'm outside without my phone I have time to think.
• I love to hear the sounds of nature.  Recently I had the opportunity to listen to the night sounds of nature and morning sounds.  It is so different, the insects, birds and then no sound at all.

A view from my morning run in Door County this last Monday. 

There are plenty of ways to sneak in a little or a lot of time outdoors.  It doesn't have to be all at once if that isn't always your thing.  A couple of ideas include:

• cook - light the grill and maybe do a whole meal outdoors if you can
• read a book 
• knit
• stargaze 
• paint or sketch 
• have a picnic or eat a meal outside
• play with a child or a pet
• exercise - walk or run with a friend or do yoga or lift some weights in the grass
• hang laundry outside
• go for a hike 
• simply sit and do nothing and enjoy

Picnic in the park.  Pasta salad, water and kombucha

I hope this list encourages you to enjoy the summer weather and spend a bit more time outside.

As always with love from the Midwest,

Beth