January 1 - Nature Break
Welcome to the Nature Notebook.

Make a resolution to give yourself frequent nature breaks this year. Take a stroll in the moonlight, a walk through a snow-covered field, a hike through a shady forest. Being out in nature reduces stress but also enhances your senses. As Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principle, points out, the natural world has restorative powers we can tap into. An outdoor experience can boost mental sharpness and creativity. Spending time in nature also promotes health and wellness. We are genetically wired to be part of nature, not apart from it. Ten or fifteen minutes of quiet observation on an outing either in the backyard or a local park can have a tremendous impact on your outlook for the day. Rekindle a moment of wonder to share with friends and family. After all, you deserve a break today.

This is PPL's naturalist, Jon Beam, with the Nature Notebook for WVIA.