A Bright Day Break

Sun shines bright

We leave the cold

behind,

Enjoying nature’s gifts

of blue and gold.

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Dreamy Beach Walk

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Summer Must-Do Pleasures

• A time and place to lounge, preferably with an escapist novel.

• The beach, or somewhere with water, to refresh the senses and spirit.

• A day at the park, to appreciate the natural beauty of this country.

• A pot of annual flowers, to enjoy the intense, vibrant colors of summer.

Sunny days bring out the explorer in us. Location: Morro Bay, California.

A place to dream, engrossed in a good read.

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Time for the Beach…

A day at the beach not only makes us happy, but can also make us healthy.

Everyone loves a day at the beach: the blue and the coolness of the water, the sea breeze and the relaxation of it all. Now, research is able to spell out its benefits:

• The sounds of the ocean waves crashing against the shore lull us into a kind of hypnotic stage that not only soothes us, but also lowers blood pressure and stress. The sounds of the waves are one of the most calming sounds in all of nature.

• The sea air feels different and it is. Sea air is full of negative ions which increase our ability to absorb oxygen. Negative ions are naturally found in places like the beach, waterfall, the forests and mountains, places that make us feel invigorated with the fresh air. They also help to create higher alertness, prevent allergies and combat depression.

• Many of our lasting memories from childhood and onwards are the discoveries and the happy times associated with the beach. I like this quote from American writer Anne Morrow Lindbergh: “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea.”

• And don’t worry if you can’t away to the beach any time soon. It is said that just gazing at a photo of a tropical scene can release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can boost a person’s mood.

Huntington Beach is about 30 minutes away from my place. It's a pretty, cosy beach and the surfers are always there.

This is the view from the chalet at Bintan island, Indonesia.

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