GET OUT IN NATURE!

One of the building blocks on the Path of Happiness framework I researched for the past 4 years is allowing ourselves the joy of immersing in nature. Add to that running or any other form of physical exercise and you got yourself a serious dose of joy and a deep sense of well being.

When I first started running I hated it. After years of running here and there I still didn’t like it. Too much effort, I used to think. I didn’t grow up as an athletic person, I didn’t get why some would choose to run when they could just go to a cafe or read a book. But then this gorgeous California man showed up in my life and he loved running so I started running and sometimes I even pretented that I liked it. Fake it till you make it!

It’s been more than 15 years since I started running and now I do get it. The “runners high” is a real thing. There is a real link between running and happiness.

Here are some interesting science facts. “Runner’s high” is a series of chemicals known as endorphins, which are actually naturally occurring opiates in the brain. Endorphin release will usually leave us feeling “euphoric”. The more we exercise, the more endorphins are released. It also helps us lower our stress by moderating our levels of cortisol, so they can better maintain our immune system.

Get out there this weekend - on a hike in nature, or fast walk, or dance, or run, or whatever's your thing to shake it off and make yourself happy!