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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (May 27, 2020)
16 Wednesday, May 27, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Fit For Sisters Andrew Loscutoff Columnist The gift of outdoor activity The latest <happiest countries= index came out, and there is a lesson that came out of the top coun- tries: It9s not lack of crime, the health or the wealth of these nations that makes for happiness. It9s a simple way of living 4 one that many in Central Oregon abide by. It9s looking out towards the mountains, feeling the call, and getting outside. Being outside is a gift many take for granted. Being in the surroundings of nature, taking time away from life and opening up to a power greater than our- selves serves a deeper sense of being. It connects us to the essence of life. It makes a person feel good, and in turn makes a happier, more tranquil and content being. Sweden, labeled as the seventh-happiest nation, scored one-third of all resi- dents participating in out- door activities weekly. In Nordic culture, there9s a sense of belonging to open spaces and nature. They hold regard to this with the accord that all land is citizen-accessible. According to an Outdoor Foundation study, nearly half the U.S. population doesn9t participate in out- door recreation, with only 18 percent of people get- ting out for physical activ- ity at least once a week. This may sound foreign to a Central Oregonian, but it9s the reality of suburban life in many parts of our coun- try. In fact, according to the University of Berkeley, the average American spends 93 percent of his or her time indoors. Are the outdoors cata- lyst to happiness? The Japanese, a long-lived culture, believe so. They participate in an activ- ity called <Shinrin Yoku= which translates to <forest bathing.= This phenom- enon is actually justified with scientific research. Japanese medical doctor and researcher Qing Li has concluded spending time in a forest can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and anger; strengthen the immune system; improve cardiovascular and meta- bolic health and boost overall well-being. He sums up his life9s research: <Wherever there are trees, we are healthier and happier.= Human beings did not evolve indoors. There9s an innate wonder that nature evokes. It opens up the shades of our psyche; pro- vides a new perspective. Nature can quiet the mind and enrich the spirit. The weather is shaping up for some long walks, hikes, and bike rides. Take in the view, breathe in the fresh air. Take our blessing of the natural world in its full value; it will do wonders for the mind, body, and spirit. Spri ng Cleaning! FREE ESTIMATES! • Window & gutter cleaning, power washing • Residential & commercial screen cleaning/repair & glass restoration • Housekeeping & deep cleaning • Monthly, bi-monthly, move m v ve mo e i in/out n/ / o ou u t Mendoza’s Cleaning Services LLC 541-610-5760 • Cesar Bring in this coupon for $2 OFF $1 OFF or any 16-20 lb. bag of Cat Food any 30-35-40 lb. bag of Dog Food 102 E. Main Ave. 541-549-4151 Offer good through 6-25-20. Coupon not valid with any other promotion. Limit one coupon per customer per month. COLLEGE: Students are adapting to disrupted education Continued from page 15 a place to live during trying times,= said Hernandez. Hernandez is also taking extra time to focus on herself and her roommates, picking up yoga and painting. <I have been focusing a lot on my own boundaries as well, realizing how I am affecting others by my own actions during this time,= she said. Hernandez usually works as a river guide for Ouzel Outfitters based in Bend, but their season did not start up at the normal time due to COVID-19. Hernandez misses the river. <I hope that our season starts later in the summer and I am curious to see how it all plays out,= she said. This is part one of a two- part series. PHOTO BY PROVIDED Hogan Hernandez, who usually works as a rafting guide, misses the river. SISTERSAREA BUSINESSESARE At Your Service LOOKFOR THESPECIAL SECTION June 10 & 17 INSIDETHE NUGGET This special business feature section tells the stories of what’s special about our participating local businesses. Meet your neighbors in the pages of our community newspaper! The Nugget N E W S PA P E R