Feeling stressed? Head for the Hills....

It seems like everyone I know these days is stressed out. Working too much, too many activities with your kids, not enough free time, no vacations, not enough sleep, the list goes on and on. I admit I become easily stressed myself, it seems like a natural thing to do in our culture. Did you know that Americans spend OVER 11 billion dollars on spa services every year? Now that's a lot of manicures my friend. This got me thinking about ways to relieve myself of some of life's stresses. How can I find ways to manage it without breaking the bank. Ironically this came as my husband and I set out for a weekend getaway to Arcadia Valley, Missouri. I know not a hoopin hollerin type of getaway but we wanted quiet and relaxation. We stayed at an amazing Bed and Breakfast that allowed us to take full advantage of some much needed reading and just spending time together. But one other activity we did was take some winter hikes. Now before I met Tim I was not an outdoor person AT ALL but I have become one and have become someone that loves it. While we were on one of our hikes I snapped the picture above of these beautiful snow covered trees. I stood there in amazement of how beautiful they were and how beautiful the trail we were on and the sound of....nothing in the air. It got me thinking, we spend so much on massages and manicures when some of the best relaxing activities can be found right outside our door. They are in nature. It's all around us and it's free! So the next time you are feeling stressed out, open your front door and take a walk around your block. Or grab a friend or spouse or no one at all and find some woods or trails to hop on. Stop and enjoy the beauty and the calmness that nature provides and most of all...the quiet!


'In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks'
John Muir