When Maine’s harsh winter sets in, do you kick back next to the fire? Why not bundle up and head outside to kick up some snow instead?
According to a recent study reported in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, spending as little as 20 minutes outdoors increases feelings of vitality and, well, happiness. Researchers found that the presence of nature improved subjects’ positive feelings consistently and measurably- and those feelings persisted even after the outdoor excursion. The study built upon an earlier German research which showed that spending time in nature makes one a kinder, gentler person.
photo by June Eisland
Maybe this explains why Mainers, as a rule, are such nice people? We tend to spend a lot of time outside enjoying the beauty of our natural spaces and our clean fresh air and water.
If you want to be happy, may I recommend a visit to the Sebago Lake Land Reserve? Portland Water District offers 1700 acres of gorgeous lakeside property for your non-motorized low-impact enjoyment- hiking, dog-walking, horseback riding, etc. All you need to do is check in to one of our 11 permit kiosks to fill out a simple form and you can access miles of trails.
If you’d like more information or a map, visit our website or stop in at the Sebago Lake Ecology Center at 1 White Rock Road in Standish. http://www.pwd.org/environment/sebago/sebagolakelandreserve.php We’re happy to help you get happy!
Happy New Year from your friends at PWD.
Our Land Reserve logo- found on permits.
