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Forest Bathing

Health Tips/ Wellness/ Zesty Adventures

Get dirty, it makes you happy

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The dirtier the ride, the better

I always feel better once my tires hit the gravel and I set off into the woods. The further I go, the dirtier the ride, the happier I am at the end. But is this increasing ease and pleasure we experience in nature simply coming from escaping reality to de-stress?

Nope. Scientists have discovered that bacteria living in mosses on tree branches and in the dirt are floating through the air and interacting with us—in particular, with the bacteria in our gut. And this dirt bacteria has been proven to enhance our well-being and have antidepressant effects. Microbes like bacteria and fungi are often associated with disease, however most microbes are beneficial.  Continue Reading…

Meaning & Passion/ Zesty Adventures

Forest Found: How nature makes us happier

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Into the forest, to lose my mind and find my soul

By harnessing the life-improving power of the outdoors, Kula and I have made it through the rainy gloom of winter on the wet coast in relatively high spirits. Through silent, contemplative hikes or the occasional frosty bike ride, we took at least an hour a day to go hang out in the woods.

Into the forest we venture along the well trodden “Word of Mouth” bike trail. Kula bounds over fallen trees and through mud puddles, every so often appearing upon on a superb lookout point to check and see if I’m still coming—thanks girl.

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