Bay Shore NY
10-28-2026 5:36pm

Ottobre - That's Italian for October

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Ottobre. What a wonderful month. Un mese meraviglioso. We've had mild temperatures and a lot of sun. I've loved spending most of the month outside in parks and on beaches nearby. The colors of the changing leaves with the moody colors of an autumn sunset are a perfect combination. And don't forget pumpkin everything. 

The moment I step outside, I feel a sense of calm. Don't get me wrong. I love my home, and I've decorated it in a way that makes you feel like you're part of the natural world with elements that you can find outside. But I've always loved the woods and the beach. Growing up on the south shore of Long Island offered you a variety of both. So, you see, I've always spent a lot of time outside.

Being in nature is a natural anecdote to feeling good. I don't think you can come back from a walk feeling anything less than inspired. There's so much going on when you spend time in nature. The sky is big and looming overhead with birds chirping and noises in the distance. It's a cacophony of sound.

If you live in a city, there's always a beautiful park that you can walk in. Every good urban designer makes sure to implement nature into the landscape. We need it to survive. It provides us with oxygen. It's our natural environment.

Spending time in nature offers well-documented physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can improve overall health and well-being.

1. Reduces stress and anxiety
Nature exposure lowers cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, and improves heart rate variability — a marker of stress resilience. Even short walks in a park or forest can calm the nervous system, reduce mental fatigue, and ease anxiety.

2. Boosts mood and mental health
Time in green spaces is linked to lower depression rates, higher life satisfaction, and greater happiness. Studies show that nature can restore attention, improve focus, and spark creativity.

3. Supports immune function
Trees release airborne compounds called phytoncides, which stimulate natural killer (NK) cells — white blood cells that help fight infections and early-stage tumors. Forest bathing has been shown to increase NK cell activity for days after a visit.

4. Improves cardiovascular health
Nature exposure is associated with lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and improved heart function. Gentle movement outdoors also supports physical fitness.

5. Enhances sleep quality
Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep duration and efficiency.

6. Sharpens focus and cognitive performance
Green environments reduce mental fatigue and improve working memory and attentional control. This is especially beneficial for children and those with ADHD.

7. Encourages physical activity
Outdoor settings naturally promote walking, hiking, or other movement, which supports overall health.

8. Strengthens connection to the environment
Regular nature exposure fosters environmental appreciation and sustainable behaviors.

How much is enough?

Research suggests at least 120 minutes per week in nature — in one or two sessions, or broken into smaller daily periods — can yield significant benefits. Even brief exposures can lower stress and improve mood.

Nature acts as a restorative environment, calming the body, energizing the mind, and supporting long-term health. Whether it’s a morning walk in a park, a forest bath, or time by the ocean, these moments can be a powerful part of your wellness routine. 

When I wake up each morning, I open my window and inhale the air. It sets my mind in motion and brings the natural world into my body. I have big sky out my window. I can watch the sunset each evening and I catch the moon set on some mornings. It's my window to the natural world that lies beyond the windowsill. That beats any pill.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is the Halloween event at Brookside Preserve. Trick-or-Tweet!

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was seeing the moon set out my window on Tuesday morning. Uno spettacolo bello. A beautiful sight.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: October is a great month to spend outside.

Italian: Ottobre è un ottimo mese per stare all'aperto.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

Pumpkins make a great accessory in Autumn.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What's your favorite thing about Ottobre? I love walking to the sound of crunching leaves under my feet.

Please put your answer in the Comment section under my post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S PICS OF THE MONTH

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - MOONDANCE by VAN MORRISON

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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.

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!

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