Let's face it, most of us have been stuck inside too much lately. 

Running thru the mall, wrapping and baking, attending the kids' performances and parties.  We all spend a lot of time indoors at this time of the year.

My suggestion to you:  get outside for 1 hour this week. 

I know, I know - you still have so much left to do.  There's getting ready for family, or getting packed to go see family.  There's the cleaning, cooking, and wrapping -

just push all those things aside for one hour. 

Take a walk through the neighborhood and enjoy the lights.  Visit one of the local parks and walk or hike a trail.  Take the kids to a playground and let them run off some energy. 

I promise you'll feel better after - less stressed, more relaxed, and probably a little jollier too.

Most of us don't realize what nature does for us!  One study done at the University of Rochester showed that spending time outside helps you:

• feel more in touch with themselves,
  
• improve your mood,
• increase your energy levels, and
  
• increase your 'nice-ness'

Yep, you become a nicer person when you give yourself a little time with nature.  And who doesn't want to be a little nicer, especially at this time of the year.

So give yourself an early present this year - get outside and enjoy the wonderful world around us.  Think about it - the fresh air, the wide-open space, the lack of people around you.  And you don't even have to worry about wrapping this gift :)

Happy Holidays!

~ Jacquie

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