We are closing in on one of the best times of the year to go hiking. Cooler weather, beautiful and colorful foliage and the sounds of fall critters and insects will melt stress and anxiety away. We all know the health benefits of hiking, but most of the concentration is on the physical aspect, but there are also the emotional aspects of sight, sound and smells. Exercise releases endorphins which makes us feel naturally happier so hiking is very good for our emotional well-being. When you add the wonderful smells and sounds to the natural endorphin release…you’ll experience an amazing transformation. Nature is so beautiful and should be enjoyed as much as possible. Grab your best pair of tennis shoes or hiking boots and your favorite 2-legged or 4-legged friend and hit the trail. Remember to keep it clean, don’t litter, and if you find litter pick it up along the way. No, you didn’t put it there, but you can certainly clean it up. Stay hydrated on your hike, drink plenty of fluids and take a break now and then…breaks are a great time to simply breath in all the great smells or to check out the wildlife scampering around.  I included a link to many hiking trails just a few miles from where you live in Ohio.

Now get your shoes on and get out there and experience the great outdoors!

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/ohio/hikes-under-5-miles-oh/

Take the day off…what does that mean. Not just taking the day off from your workplace, but totally take the day off. Don’t plan anything, don’t stress over laundry, house cleaning, washing the car, cleaning the garage or mowing the lawn, instead, do whatever makes you happy, and by the way, that should be a long list!

Taking a day off through the week can add peace, tranquility and happiness. You’ll find yourself looking forward to that day knowing that you are allowed to sleep in, be lazy, get dressed late in the day or head out for an activity that makes you smile.

I know that for a lot of us, this may seem impossible, but remember that anything is possible if you just do it. You plan to go to work every day, you plan to go to sports events and you plan to grocery shop, what if you planned a day to do absolutely nothing!

I have not tried this yet, but I would love to take Saturdays off. What would that look like for me? I would sleep or lounge in bed until I was ready to get up. I would not hit the floor running, but instead I would enjoy my coffee on the porch. Maybe read the paper, my favorite book, take a walk, pet the dogs or cat and ask myself, “What do you want to do today?”

Taking a day off can change your whole perspective regarding the weeks or months ahead. It would be like a mini vacation every week. It might just put a big smile on your face wherever you go and make your life more positive and fulfilling.

So what do you think…will you do it…will you “take the day off?”