Nature, the Ultimate Anti-depressant

Time in nature is often referred to as the ultimate antidepressant because it affects us physically, mentally and emotionally. Being outdoors alleviates stress, positively affects our mood/overall mental health, helps us to “reset,” promotes cognitive functioning, fosters problem solving and creativity, supports work/life balance, stimulates social interactions and helps family connection and intimacy.
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10 Must-Do Chicago Adventures This Spring

Say what you will about winter in Chicago—but it sure makes you appreciate the spring. With the snow disappearing, it’s time to start planning to take advantage of the warmer weather and all the outdoor opportunities that abound in the area—at least for nine months of the year.
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5 Awesome Spring Rides Near Portland

When spring arrives, that's when the cycling starts getting good in Portland. True, there are tons of folks who ride year-round in Stumptown, but there's something about spring riding that's near impossible to beat. With no shortage of scenic loops to choose from, here are five perfect rides in Portland and beyond—along with what makes them so ...
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An Insider’s Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska

One of the Arctic's most unforgettable outdoor experiences takes place in the dead of night when the air is frigid and the ground frozen. But while the earth remains locked in winter’s grip, the sky comes alive in the vivid greens and reds of the aurora borealis. Known more commonly as the Northern Lights, these natural marvels top many travele...
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6 Underrated National Parks and Monuments in the West

There's a reason National Parks are called America’s best idea. Setting aside vast expanses of pristine land for timeless preservation provides a refuge for millions of Americans to experience the outdoors and press the reset buttons on their busy lives. So many people are now flocking to the National Parks that 2015 saw a whopping 307 million ...
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7 Excellent Spots for the Best Spring Skiing in North America

With the arrival of warmer temperatures and a more laid-back atmosphere, spring skiing is a magical experience: costumed characters barreling down the slopes, sundeck moments toasting the fun at all-day après, and savoring that seasonal favorite of conditions, corn. Whether you’re looking for family fun during a spring break with the kids or a ...
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Help Our Honeybees, Help Ourselves

Major declines in populations of bees in North America and beyond is a big problem for farmers who depend on this free natural pollinator to help fertilize their crops that end up as food on our tables. According to the non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), $15 billion a year in U.S. crops—including apples, berries, cantaloupes, ...
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9 Ways to Connect with Nature When You Live in a City

Each year, science adds more proof that spending time in nature can produce tremendous benefits. Connecting with the natural world improves our physical, mental, and emotional health, and yet, for a variety of reasons, many Americans do not spend nearly enough time in the great outdoors to take advantage of these benefits. One significant hurdl...
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