The most prominent pattern that emerged from my field notes is that being outdoors is like a magic-potion for one’s well-being. Such a simple thing yet so rewarding. Being outdoors just makes you feel good, it allows you to get into the fresh air, move your body, and provides a little escape from the daily grind of everyday life. You can’t beat the crisp fresh outdoor air of being outside, plus the sunshine (even though we didn’t get much sunshine in our outdoor activities). Whether it was doing yoga, playing tennis, basketball, canoeing, or just going for a stroll we were moving our bodies and that’s always a win. Exercise helps boost your energy, keeps your heart happy and helps those muscles stay strong. Life can get busy and can start to feel overwhelming and stressful, getting outside can help get out of the daily hustle and bustle, it’s like hitting the reset button for you brain even for just a moment. Being outside provides your body with a natural serotonin boost. When you step into the great outdoors, your brain gets a natural dose of serotonin or better known as the “feel-good” hormone. The combination of fresh air, sunlight, and the beauty of nature can instantly lift your spirits. I’ve realized throughout outdoor excursions how much joy and happiness doing something as simple and playing a game with my friends outside can bring. I found myself looking forward to after school so I could go do something outside that was just for a joy and myself, not another task to check of the list. Stepping away from everything even just for a moment allowed me to come back fresher and less stressed. Incorporating outdoor hobbies into your life can be a fulfilling and enriching experience. Whether your thrill seeking, relaxing, or just simply wanting an escape from the daily grind, the outdoors offers a wealth of opportunities to improve physical and mental-well-being.