October Welcome – Live Well, Travel Well, and Breathe Hatteras Island

Forest bathing and connecting with nature

Now’s the time to enjoy fall festivals, cooler evenings, outdoor adventures, and support local events. The island may start to feel quieter, but the wellness community is still here to guide you through fitness, wellness practices, and make healthy lifestyle choices. It’s also a great time to try some of the many activities Hatteras Island has to offer: riding bikes, hiking trails, horseback riding on the beach, kayaking, sailing, kiteboarding, surfing, fishing, and birdwatching. Tour operators are still open, several outfitters are offering end-of-season equipment sales to help you get started with a new hobby, and the National Park Service is a great source of information and hosts ranger-led programs for you to experience.

Next time you are out hiking, perhaps try ‘Shinrin-yoku’, the Japanese mindful practice of ‘forest bathing’ to regain balance and connect with nature. And remember, there’s nothing stopping you from jumping into a huge pile of leaves if the urge suddenly takes you! Connecting with your inner child, having fun, being silly, and laughing releases a whole bunch of natural feel-good endorphins that positively contribute to our wellbeing. Learn to let go and don’t take yourself seriously!

We often exhaust ourselves with endless to-do lists and set crazy expectations to perform or be perfect while trying to remain calm, centered, and focused—and be amazing at juggling life! So go ahead, put on a cozy sweater and your favorite boots, play your music real loud, feel good about yourself, have that second cup of spiced cider if you want, and know there’s more than one road to enlightenment this fall.

Photo credit: DanaTentis