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How to Navigate Life’s Big Questions

A person sitting alone on a cliff, overlooking a vast, empty landscape

In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, many people find themselves grappling with profound questions about their existence, purpose, and the meaning of life. This series of articles aims to delve into these deep and sometimes unsettling questions, offering insights, guidance, and perspectives to help you navigate your own existential journey.

What to Expect from This Series

Each article in this series will explore different facets of existential exploration, from understanding what an existential crisis is to examining how it differs from related experiences like burnout and the dark night of the soul. We will also look at practical ways to manage these crises.

We’ll be covering the following topics:

Understanding an Existential Crisis

  • We begin by defining what an existential crisis is, its common triggers, symptoms, and the profound impact it can have on an individual’s life. This foundational article sets the stage for deeper exploration into the nature of existential questioning.

Burnout vs. Existential Crisis

  • This article will differentiate between burnout and an existential crisis, helping readers understand the unique characteristics and causes of each. Recognizing the differences is crucial for addressing these issues effectively and finding the right path to recovery.

Navigating an Existential Crisis

  • Practical advice and strategies for managing an existential crisis will be the focus here. From embracing uncertainty to seeking support and reflecting on personal values, this article will offer actionable steps to help you find clarity and purpose.

Dark Night of the Soul vs. Existential Crisis

  • This article will explore the differences between a dark night of the soul and an existential crisis. While both involve deep questioning and transformation, they stem from different origins and impact individuals in unique ways.

Why This Series Matters

In times of existential questioning, it is essential to have access to thoughtful and balanced information that can guide you through the process. This series aims to provide a variety of perspectives and practical insights to help you understand and navigate your existential journey. By exploring these topics, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world, ultimately leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Join Us on This Journey

We invite you to read each article in this series and engage with the content. Reflect on your experiences, share your thoughts, and explore the resources provided. Whether you are currently experiencing an existential crisis or simply seeking to understand more about this profound aspect of human existence, this series is designed to support you on your journey of self-discovery and purpose.

Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, and let’s embark on this existential exploration together.

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Why personality type is important for life purpose discovery

In the last couple of articles, we looked at why it is important to know your personality type and how to find out yours. In this article, we’ll be looking at the interplay between personality type and life purpose.

Introduction

Understanding your personality type is crucial for discovering your life purpose because it provides valuable insights into your natural preferences, strengths, weaknesses, and inclinations.

Life purpose and personality type

Here are several reasons why knowing your personality type can help you find and fulfil your life purpose:

  1. Self-Awareness: Knowing your personality type increases self-awareness. This understanding helps you recognize what environments, tasks, and roles you naturally gravitate towards and excel in. Moreover, self-awareness is the first step in identifying a life purpose that resonates deeply with your core self.
  2. Strengths and Weaknesses: Each personality type has inherent strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help you identify what roles or careers you are likely to succeed in and what areas you might need to develop further or seek support in. Aligning your life purpose with your strengths ensures greater satisfaction and success.
  3. Motivations and Values: Different personality types are driven by different motivations and values. Knowing your type can help you understand what truly motivates you and what you value most, guiding you towards a purpose that fulfils these intrinsic desires.
  4. Decision-Making: Personality type influences how you make decisions, whether you rely more on logic, emotions, or a combination of both. Understanding your decision-making style can help you make more informed and confident choices about your life direction.
  5. Compatibility with Environments: Certain personality types thrive in specific environments. For example, some people might flourish in structured, predictable settings, while others thrive in dynamic, high-energy environments. Knowing your type can help you seek out environments that will support your growth and happiness.
  6. Career Path: Many personality assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), provide insights into career paths that are typically well-suited to different personality types. This can be a valuable guide in choosing a career that aligns with your natural tendencies and passions.
  7. Interpersonal Relationships: Understanding your personality type can improve your interactions with others. It can help you navigate relationships, communicate more effectively, and build a supportive network that aligns with your life purpose.
  8. Stress Management: Different personality types handle stress in various ways. Knowing your type can help you develop strategies to manage stress effectively, ensuring that you stay focused and motivated towards your life goals.
  9. Personal Growth: Recognizing your personality type can highlight areas for personal growth and development. By understanding your limitations, you can work on overcoming them, thereby aligning your life purpose with continuous self-improvement.
  10. Authenticity: Ultimately, knowing your personality type encourages you to live more authentically. It helps you understand and accept yourself, fostering a life purpose that is true to who you are, rather than who you think you should be.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding your personality type is a powerful tool in discovering and pursuing your life purpose. It provides clarity, direction, and a framework for making choices that are aligned with your true self, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

To find out your personality type, visit 16Personalities or Truity.

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How do you find out your personality type?

The previous article looked at why it is important to know your personality type. This article will focus on one personality type test although others are available.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely-used personality assessment tool that categorizes individuals into 16 distinct personality types based on their preferences in four dimensions:

The Four Dimensions of Personality

  1. Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): This dimension describes where you get your energy from. Extraverts are energized by interacting with others and being in lively environments, while introverts recharge by spending time alone or in quieter settings.
  2. Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): This dimension reflects how you perceive information. Sensors focus on concrete, factual information and details, whereas intuitives are more interested in patterns, meanings, and possibilities.
  3. Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): This dimension determines how you make decisions. Thinkers prioritize logic and objective criteria, while feelers base their decisions on personal values and the impact on others.
  4. Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): This dimension describes your approach to structure and spontaneity. Judgers prefer a planned, organized approach to life and decisions, while perceivers are more flexible, adaptable, and open to new experiences.

How to find out your personality type

To find out your MBTI personality type, you can take a MBTI assessment. Here are the general steps:

  1. Take a Test: There are several versions of the MBTI test available, both free and paid. The official MBTI assessment is administered by trained practitioners and can be taken online through the Myers-Briggs Company or other authorized organizations. There are also many free versions available online that can give you an indication of your type.
  2. Answer Honestly: The test consists of a series of questions about your preferences and behaviour in various situations. Answer the questions as honestly as possible to get an accurate result.
  3. Get Your Results: After completing the test, you will receive a four-letter code that represents your personality type (e.g., INFJ, ESTP). Each of the 16 types has a detailed description that outlines typical traits, strengths, weaknesses, and preferences.
  4. Reflect on the Results: While the MBTI can provide valuable insights, it’s important to remember that it is a self-reported tool and should be used as a guide rather than a definitive statement of who you are. Reflect on your results and see if they resonate with your self-perception and experiences.

More resources

Here are online resources where you can take the MBTI or similar personality assessments:

Remember, the MBTI is one of many tools that can help you understand yourself better and is most useful when combined with other forms of self-reflection and personal development activities.

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Why is it important to know your personality type?

Knowing your personality type is important for several reasons, as it can provide insights into various aspects of your personal and professional life. Here are some key benefits:

Self awareness

  1. Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses: Knowing your personality type helps you recognize your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to leverage your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
  2. Improved Decision-Making: With a clearer understanding of your preferences and tendencies, you can make more informed decisions that align with your true self.

Personal growth

  1. Setting Realistic Goals: Personality insights can help you set achievable and realistic goals based on your natural inclinations and motivations.
  2. Enhancing Emotional Intelligence: Awareness of your personality type can improve your emotional intelligence by helping you understand and manage your emotions better.

Relationships

  1. Better Communication: Understanding your personality type and that of others can improve communication by highlighting different communication styles and preferences.
  2. Conflict Resolution: Recognizing how different personality types approach conflict can help in resolving disagreements more effectively.

Career development

  1. Career Path: Certain personality types are better suited for specific careers. Knowing your type can guide you towards a career that aligns with your natural preferences and strengths.
  2. Job Satisfaction: Understanding what motivates and satisfies you at work can lead to greater job satisfaction and productivity.

Team Dynamics

  1. Team Building: In a team setting, knowing the personality types of team members can help in assigning roles that match individual strengths, leading to a more cohesive and effective team.
  2. Leadership: Leaders who understand personality types can tailor their leadership style to better motivate and manage their team.

Stress management

  1. Identifying Stress Triggers: Different personality types react to stress in various ways. Knowing your type can help you identify and manage stress triggers more effectively.
  2. Coping Strategies: Personality insights can provide personalized strategies for coping with stress and maintaining mental well-being.

Learning and education

  1. Personalized Learning: Understanding your personality type can help you identify the learning styles and environments that work best for you.
  2. Skill Development: Knowing your natural inclinations can guide you in developing new skills in a way that feels more intuitive and effective.

Conclusion

Overall, understanding your personality type can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life by providing a deeper understanding of yourself and others, fostering better relationships, and enhancing both personal and professional development.

If you have enjoyed this article, you may like to read about How to Find Out Your Personality Type.

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Finding Your Life Purpose: Transcending Vocation and Career Paths

Introduction

In the pursuit of a fulfilling life, it’s crucial to distinguish between your life purpose, vocation, and career. Each plays a distinct role in shaping your journey towards personal satisfaction and fulfilment. Let’s delve into these concepts to understand their differences and how they contribute uniquely to our sense of purpose and happiness.

Understanding Life Purpose

Your life purpose is the overarching reason for your existence. It’s the deeper meaning behind everything you do. It transcends mere job titles or daily tasks. Discovering your life purpose involves reflecting on your values, passions, and the impact you want to make on the world. However, unlike a vocation, which often focuses on skills and earning a living, your life purpose encompasses a broader sense of fulfilment and contribution to society.

Differentiating Vocation and Career

While your vocation refers to the occupation or profession you choose, your career encompasses the roles and positions you hold throughout your working life. Vocation is often driven by skills, interests, and market demand. In contrast, a career can involve upward mobility, advancements, and achievements within a chosen field. Both vocation and career are important aspects of your professional identity. However, they may or may not align perfectly with your life purpose.

Finding Alignment and Purpose

The key to a fulfilling life lies in aligning your vocation and career with your life purpose. When your daily work aligns with your deeper values and passions, you experience a greater sense of satisfaction and meaning. However, it’s important to recognize that not everyone’s vocation or career will perfectly mirror their life purpose. Sometimes, your life purpose can be expressed through hobbies, volunteer work, or personal relationships outside of work.

Embracing the Journey

Discovering your life purpose is a journey that involves self-reflection, exploration, and sometimes trial and error. It’s about understanding what truly motivates and inspires you beyond financial rewards or societal expectations. Moreover, this journey may require stepping outside of your comfort zone, seeking new experiences, and embracing change. Ultimately, it’s a process of growth and self-discovery that can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while vocation and career play important roles in our lives, they are not synonymous with our life purpose. Your life purpose is the deeper reason for your existence, guiding you towards personal fulfilment and making a meaningful impact on the world. By understanding the distinctions between these concepts and seeking alignment with your values and passions, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and purpose that leads to a more satisfying and enriching life.

If you enjoyed this article, check out our life purpose programme.

You may also enjoy Martha Beck’s book Finding Your Own North Star

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How to Create Your Best Life using Design Principles

Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, authors of “Designing Your Life,” introduce an exciting way to think about our lives. By borrowing an idea from product design called prototyping, they show us how to test different paths before making big decisions. This method involves creating small, early versions of a product to test and improve it. Similarly, when applied to life, prototyping allows us to experiment and refine our choices.

What is Prototyping in Life Design?

Prototyping in life design means taking small steps to explore new ideas before fully committing. Burnett and Evans see life as a series of experiments. Each prototype helps us test and refine our choices, ensuring they align with our values, passions, and goals.

Steps to Prototyping Your Life

  1. Pick Areas to Explore: First, identify parts of your life you want to change or try out. This could be a new career, a hobby, or a different lifestyle.
  2. Brainstorm Ideas: Next, think of various ways to explore these areas. This might include trying a new activity, volunteering, taking a short course, or talking to people in the field you’re interested in.
  3. Create Prototypes: Then, develop small, low-cost versions of your ideas. For instance, if you’re considering a career change, take a relevant class or shadow someone in that job.
  4. Test and Get Feedback: After creating your prototypes, engage with them. Notice how you feel and what you learn. Additionally, ask for feedback from others involved.
  5. Refine and Iterate: Finally, use the insights and feedback to adjust your approach. Tweak your prototypes, combine ideas, or discard options that don’t work for you.

Why Prototyping is Useful

  • Less Risk: First and foremost, testing ideas on a small scale reduces the risk of making big, irreversible decisions.
  • Clarity: Furthermore, prototyping gives you real-life insights, helping you understand what you truly want.
  • Confidence: Additionally, successfully testing ideas boosts your confidence and shows you can make positive changes.

Real-Life Examples

  • Changing Careers: Instead of quitting your job immediately, start by freelancing or volunteering in a new field.
  • Learning: Before committing to a degree, try online courses or workshops to see if you like the subject.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Considering a big move? Test it out with a short-term stay in the new city.

If you enjoyed this article, try Can Essentialism lead to a more meaningful life?

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Can Essentialism lead to a more meaningful life?

In a world cluttered with endless tasks, responsibilities, and distractions, finding true meaning and purpose can feel like an elusive dream. Greg McKeown’s “Essentialism – The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” offers a powerful antidote to this modern malaise. This book review explores how “Essentialism” can transform your life by helping you focus on what truly matters.

The Core Idea of Essentialism

At its heart, “Essentialism” is about discerning what is essential and eliminating everything that is not. McKeown argues that by focusing only on the most important tasks and activities, we can achieve more meaningful and fulfilling lives. This disciplined approach to life encourages us to reclaim control over our choices and align our actions with our highest values.

Key Principles of Essentialism

  1. Explore and Evaluate: McKeown emphasizes the importance of exploring a wide range of possibilities before committing to any one path. This involves saying ‘no’ to good opportunities so we can say ‘yes’ to great ones.
  2. Eliminate Non-Essentials: Once you’ve identified what is essential, the next step is to remove anything that does not support those priorities. This might mean cutting out tasks, commitments, or even relationships that drain your energy and focus.
  3. Execute Effortlessly: With fewer distractions, you can apply your energy more effectively. McKeown offers practical strategies for making execution as easy as possible, such as establishing routines and setting boundaries.

Why Essentialism Matters

In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of demands on our time and attention. “Essentialism” provides a roadmap to reclaim our lives from this chaos. By focusing on fewer things, we can invest in what truly brings us joy and fulfilment. This book is not just about doing less for the sake of it, but about doing less to achieve more of what matters.

Practical Applications

Implementing the principles of “Essentialism” can lead to significant improvements in both personal and professional realms. For example:

  • Work: Prioritize tasks that align with your core responsibilities and goals. Delegate or eliminate low-impact activities.
  • Home: Focus on quality time with family and activities that nurture your well-being.
  • Personal Development: Invest time in learning and experiences that contribute to your growth and happiness.

Conclusion

Greg McKeown’s “Essentialism – The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” is more than just a productivity guide; it’s a manifesto for a life well-lived. By embracing the principles of essentialism, you can find greater meaning and purpose, reducing stress and enhancing your overall sense of fulfilment. If you’re seeking a way to navigate the complexities of modern life with clarity and intention, “Essentialism” is an invaluable resource.

Embrace the disciplined pursuit of less, and discover how much more meaningful your life can become.

If you enjoyed this article, try How to Create Your Best Life using Design Principles

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How to Bring More Creativity into Your Daily Life

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for creativity can be challenging. However, infusing your daily routine with creative practices can significantly enhance your overall well-being and productivity. Here are some practical tips to help you bring more creativity into your daily life.

1. Start Your Day with a Creative Ritual

Begin your morning with an activity that stimulates your mind and sets a positive tone for the day. This could be journaling, doodling, or even a brief meditation session focusing on creative visualization. Starting your day with creativity can help you approach the rest of your tasks with a fresh perspective.

2. Embrace New Experiences

Stepping out of your comfort zone is a powerful way to boost creativity. Try new activities, visit different places, or engage in unfamiliar hobbies. These new experiences can spark fresh ideas and inspire you to think outside the box.

3. Create a Dedicated Creative Space

Having a specific area in your home or office designated for creative activities can encourage regular engagement with creative tasks. Make this space comfortable and filled with items that inspire you, such as art supplies, books, or musical instruments.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help clear your mind of distractions and enhance your focus. A clear, calm mind is more receptive to creative ideas and solutions. Try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine to create a mental environment conducive to creativity.

5. Incorporate Playfulness

Allow yourself to be playful and curious. Engage in activities that you enjoyed as a child, like drawing, playing games, or building things. Playfulness can reduce stress and open up your mind to new possibilities, fostering a more creative mindset.

6. Limit Distractions

In our digital age, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by constant notifications and information overload. Set aside specific times to disconnect from technology and engage in creative activities. This uninterrupted time can lead to more profound and innovative thinking.

7. Collaborate with Others

Collaboration can significantly enhance creativity. Working with others exposes you to different perspectives and ideas. Whether it’s brainstorming with colleagues or participating in a creative workshop, collaboration can stimulate your creative juices and lead to exciting new concepts.

8. Keep a Creativity Journal

Document your ideas, inspirations, and creative projects in a journal. This practice not only helps you keep track of your creative thoughts but also allows you to reflect on your progress. Reviewing your journal can provide insights and spur further creativity.

9. Seek Inspiration from Different Sources

Read books, watch films, listen to music, and explore art that is outside your usual preferences. Exposure to diverse sources of inspiration can broaden your thinking and ignite your creative spark. Make it a habit to regularly consume varied content that challenges and excites you.

10. Stay Curious and Open-Minded

Curiosity is the foundation of creativity. Always ask questions, explore new ideas, and stay open to different viewpoints. Cultivating a curious mindset can lead to continuous learning and creative growth.

Incorporating these strategies into your daily life can help you tap into your creative potential and enrich your everyday experiences. Remember, creativity is not a talent reserved for a few; it’s a skill that can be nurtured and developed with practice and intention. Start integrating these tips into your routine today and watch your creativity flourish.

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How To Find What is Essential to Your Life

In a world saturated with choices and distractions, identifying what is truly essential to your life can seem like a daunting task. However, this journey of self-discovery and prioritization is crucial for living a fulfilling and purposeful life. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you uncover what is essential to your life.

1. Self-Reflection

Understand Your Values: Start by reflecting on what matters most to you. Values are the core principles that guide your behaviour and decision-making. Common values include family, health, integrity, and personal growth. To identify your values, consider what makes you feel fulfilled and what you would defend at any cost.

Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful tool for self-reflection. Spend a few minutes each day journaling about your experiences, feelings, and aspirations. Over time, patterns will emerge that can highlight what is truly important to you.

2. Simplify Your Life

Declutter Your Space: Physical clutter can often lead to mental clutter. Start by decluttering your living and working spaces. Remove items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. This practice not only creates a more serene environment but also helps you focus on what truly matters.

Limit Distractions: In today’s digital age, distractions are abundant. Limit your exposure to unnecessary digital noise by setting boundaries for social media use, emails, and other non-essential digital interactions. Designate specific times for these activities and stick to them.

3. Identify Your Priorities

Set Clear Goals: Identify your short-term and long-term goals. Break them down into manageable steps and prioritize them based on their importance and impact on your life. Goals that align with your values are typically the most essential.

The 80/20 Principle: Also known as the Pareto Principle, this concept suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Identify the activities and relationships that contribute most to your happiness and success, and focus your energy on these areas.

4. Mindfulness and Presence

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and fully engaging with whatever you are doing. This practice can help you appreciate the small, meaningful aspects of your life that you might otherwise overlook.

Gratitude: Cultivate a habit of gratitude by regularly acknowledging the positive aspects of your life. This practice can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, highlighting the essentials in your life.

5. Seek Guidance

Mentorship: Seek guidance from mentors or individuals who inspire you. They can provide valuable insights and perspectives that can help you identify and focus on what is essential.

Therapy, Counselling or Coaching: Professional help can be beneficial in gaining deeper insights into your priorities and overcoming any mental blocks that might be hindering your journey to finding what is essential.

6. Embrace Change

Be Open to Change: What is essential to your life may change over time as you grow and evolve. Be open to reassessing and realigning your priorities periodically to ensure they still resonate with your values and goals.

Let Go of the Non-Essential: Learn to say no to commitments and activities that do not serve your essential goals. This can free up time and energy to focus on what truly matters.

Conclusion

Finding what is essential to your life is an ongoing journey of self-discovery, reflection, and prioritization. By understanding your values, simplifying your life, identifying your priorities, practicing mindfulness, seeking guidance, and embracing change, you can cultivate a life that is not only successful but also deeply fulfilling. Remember, the essence of a meaningful life lies not in the quantity of things we have but in the quality and significance of the things we choose to keep close.

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How to use walks in nature to clear your mind

Country scene with fields

Do you ever find yourself going for a peaceful walk in nature, hoping to clear your mind, only to end up stuck in a loop of overthinking? You’re not alone. Many of us experience this paradox: we seek solace in nature but end up mulling over our worries throughout the entire walk.

Fortunately, there’s a simple yet powerful activity that can help break this cycle and bring you back to the present moment: the “5 Senses” activity. Designed to shift your focus from rumination to mindful observation, this exercise can transform your nature walks into rejuvenating experiences.

Here’s how it works:

1. What 5 things can you see? Take a moment to consciously observe your surroundings. Notice the vibrant colours of the flowers, the intricate patterns on tree bark, or the gentle sway of grass in the breeze. Engaging your sense of sight helps anchor you in the present moment and appreciate the beauty around you.

2. What 4 things can you hear? Close your eyes briefly and tune in to the sounds of nature. Listen to the chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves, or the babbling of a nearby stream. By focusing on auditory stimuli, you can immerse yourself in the peaceful symphony of the natural world.

3. What 3 things can you feel? Shift your attention to your sense of touch. Run your fingers over the rough texture of a tree trunk, feel the warmth of sunlight on your skin, or enjoy the cool breeze against your face. Connecting with tactile sensations grounds you in the present moment and fosters a deeper connection with nature.

4. What 2 things can you smell? Take a deep breath and inhale the scents of the outdoors. Notice the earthy aroma of soil, the fragrant perfume of flowers, or the crisp scent of pine trees. Smell is closely linked to memory and emotion, making this step a powerful way to evoke positive feelings during your walk.

5. What 1 thing can you taste? Finally, pay attention to your sense of taste, even if it’s just for a moment. Perhaps you brought a snack with you, or you can simply notice any lingering flavours in your mouth. Even if you don’t have anything to taste at the moment, the act of considering this sense can help anchor you in the present.

By engaging all five senses in this way, you redirect your focus from inner turmoil to external stimuli, fostering mindfulness and presence. The “5 Things” activity serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the richness of the present moment and find peace in the beauty of nature.

Next time you feel overwhelmed or stuck in your thoughts during a nature walk, give this activity a try. You may be surprised by how it transforms your experience and leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more connected to the world around you.

Find out how to get even more from being out in nature in this post