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.
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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.
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