Steps in the Sun

She walked along the sunlit trail, feeling the warmth on her skin and the crunch of leaves beneath her shoes. Exposure to natural environments has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function (Berman et al. 1207).

Outdoor activity also increases motivation and overall well-being, particularly when movement is combined with attention to nature (Bratman et al. 2). Each step felt purposeful, grounding her in the present while energizing her for the challenges ahead. The trail reminded her that movement through nature nurtures both body and mind.

Works Cited (MLA)

Berman, Marc G., et al. “The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature.” Psychological Science, vol. 19, no. 12, 2008, pp. 1207–1212.
Bratman, Gregory N., et al. “Nature and Mental Health: An Ecosystem Service Perspective.” Science Advances, vol. 5, no. 7, 2019, eaax0903.