6 Ways to Use Nature to Boost Your Moods

If you're stressed out, depressed, fatigued, or anxious, the cure might be right outside your door. Dutch researchers recently found that people who live near a park or wooded area experience less depression and anxiety than their urban counterparts. A new study from the UK found that walking in the country reduced depression in 71% of participants. And many studies have shown that sunlight can ease depression — especially SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, in winter. Now that the warm weather is upon us, it's a great time to tap into the regenerative power of your environment. Doing so can have instant and profound effects on your mood, transforming negative emotions such as fear, depression, anger, and anxiety into a peaceful, happy state of mind. Try these techniques.

Shaman-healer Brant Secunda and legendary world champion Ironman Mark Allen are known for blending ancient shamanic wisdom with the latest scientific findings on nutrition, fitness, mood, and stress, and will be teaching a weekend seminar in Boulder's majestic Chautauqua Park, July 15-17. Their new book is Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to Healthier, Happier You (BenBella Books). More information is at www.fitsoul-fitbody.com.