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SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
I take a lot of pleasure in the simple things like sitting on a bench with my beloved. We tend to spend a lot of time inside and getting outside in nature sometimes feels deliberate. It was a beautiful evening on Tuesday, so we stepped outside and sat for about an hour. The squirrels were eating nuts while a few children were playing on the grass. The sun was setting behind us. Summer is just on the horizon.
I write about spending time in nature fairly often because I think it's probably the best thing we can do for our mental health. It's so accessible, and sometimes we take it for granted. But even five minutes spent outside can elevate your mood. It sure beats any pill.
Spending time outside can significantly improve your mood by triggering both psychological and biological changes in your brain and body.
1. Natural environments calm the nervous system
When you step outside, especially into green or natural spaces, your body often begins to relax almost immediately. Natural settings lower cortisol, the main stress hormone, which in turn reduces heart rate and blood pressure. This helps shift your nervous system out of “fight-or-flight” mode, leading to less tension, irritability, and emotional imbalance.
2. Sunlight boosts mood through brain chemistry
Sunlight, particularly blue light, stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter central to mood regulation. This process is linked to feelings of happiness and focus. Sunlight also triggers vitamin D production, which supports brain health and is associated with lower rates of depression.
3. Attention restoration and mental clarity
Natural scenes engage the brain in “soft fascination” — sights like moving trees, flowing water, or birdsong that capture attention without demanding constant effort. This can restore mental focus, reduce mental fatigue, and improve problem-solving abilities.
4. Reducing negative thought patterns
A 90-minute walk in nature has been shown to lower activity in the brain region linked to negative thoughts, helping to break cycles of rumination. This can be especially helpful for people feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.
5. Physical activity in nature enhances mood
Walking or exercising outdoors often feels more enjoyable than indoor exercise because of the sensory variety — light, movement, fresh air, and natural scenery. This “green exercise” can further boost mood and reduce perceived stress.
6. Regular exposure supports long-term well-being
Research suggests that spending 120 minutes a week in nature improves overall health and well-being. Even small doses — like 10–15 minutes of sunlight a few times a week — can have measurable mood benefits.
If you want to shift your mood toward calm, focus, and positivity, aim for regular outdoor time, especially in natural light. Morning walks, park visits, or simply sitting in a garden can reset your brain, lower stress, and boost serotonin levels, making you feel more balanced and energized.
There are so many benefits to being outdoors. Try walking on the grass or warm pavement barefoot. Let your feet be free like you did when you were a child. I love being barefoot. My Mom did, too. I get that from her. Abbiamo piedi italiani. We have Italian feet.
Peace and Love,
Skylark
At 60 and beyond, the sun gives us life. Step outside each day to get your dose.
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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK
My pick of the week is the Peony Path Walk at Sagtikos Manor in Bay Shore this coming Sunday, May 31st. There are two tours at 10:00am and 1:00pm. It costs $20 per person, and you can pay cash or check at the door. Peony is a special flower. Their bloom is short, so enjoy them on this special tour.
Visit www.sagtikosmanor.org for more information
SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The highlight of the week was singing with the Brightwaters Village Chorus last Saturday at the Concourse in Brightwaters. It was a special tribute to our Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. May you rest in Peace.
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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK
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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Dear God,
Embrace all Americans who fought in combat and never came home and protect those who still serve our great nation. Amen.
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SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK
English: We must never forget our men and women who served in the armed forces.
Italian: Non dobbiamo mai dimenticare i nostri uomini e le nostre donne che hanno servito nei servizi armati.
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SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK
I love an eclectic interior decorating style and have combined many influences in my home to create a warm, spiritual environment to enhance relaxation. Go ahead. Add a Buddah. They go with any style.
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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What was the highlight of your Memorial Day weekend?
Please put the answer in the Comment section under this post. I'd love to hear from you.
SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK
Lyrics
Where have all the flowers gone
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone
The girls have picked them every one
Oh when will you ever learn
Oh when will you ever learn
Where have all the young girls gone
Long time passing
Where have all the young girls gone
Long time ago
Where have all the young girls gone
They've taken husbands every one
Oh when will you ever learn
Oh when will you ever learn
Where have all the young men gone
Long time passing
Where have all the young men gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young men gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young men gone?
They're all in uniform
Oh, when will you ever learn?
Oh, when will you ever learn?
MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE
I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.
Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I'm open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paid subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each week in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter! You can also become a paying subscriber.
Skylark Live Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. You can find some of my vlogs on my YouTube channel. I also post them on my social media platforms. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark
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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!
