In the ever-churning river of life, mental health is like water – fluid, unpredictable, and subject to the whims of nature. At times, it flows gently, a tranquil stream of contentment. Other times, it surges like a torrent, threatening to engulf us.

Amid our concrete jungles and the ceaseless hum of modernity, the remedy to our hectic lives may lie in the simplest and most ancient of prescriptions – nature. With its sprawling landscapes and untamed beauty, the great outdoors offers a holistic elixir that can rejuvenate our bodies and minds.

Trail running has increased in popularity over the last decade to the point where there are almost as many trail races as road races. Like road races, trail races have many facets: flat, hilly, at altitude, at sea level, smooth single track, and gnarly rocks that include scrambles.

Everyone feels down sometimes, but not everyone does something about it. Words of affirmation are a great way to improve your mood and manifest positivity. Words of affirmation can help you overcome self-doubt, insecurities, self-sabotage, fear, helplessness, and worthlessness.

Connecting with nature is essential for your well-being. Nature has an incredible ability to heal, rejuvenate, and restore us in multiple ways. From reducing stress to enhancing creativity, here's how you can harness the power of nature to improve your mental and physical health.

Picture this: you've had a long, grueling day, and your feet are pleading for a break. Your shoulders feel permanently stuck in a shrugged position, and your jaw is locked. It's as if tension has set up camp in your body, and you're the unwilling host.

 A yoga practice can help you both on and off your mat. While the physical practice of yoga can help increase flexibility and build strength, there are countless ways a yoga practice can help off the mat, too. Here are some of my favorites:

Exercising in nature is my favorite form of self-care. I try to get outside even when the weather isn’t ideal because being in nature energizes me. Walking or running, I pay attention to my surroundings because that is the whole point of being outside.

When people think of exercise, they usually think about going to the gym or a workout class. But many different forms of exercise contribute to your physical and mental health. You can focus on breathing or other methods, such as progressive muscle relaxation.

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts." Rachel Carson

Tea is a ritual, an art that nourishes the soul. Tea is a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the moment. Integrating tea into your daily routine is a healthy habit that encourages mindfulness and elevates one's self-care practice.

Exercise is everywhere. You hear about the benefits of exercise for health, mind, and spirit in the news, on social media, and even from your doctor or therapist.