I Feel Recharged by Fresh Air as Summer Approaches

The long-awaited days of summer have nearly arrived, and I am doing my best to take full advantage of the warmer weather.

After so many months of sweaters that make it harder for me to move and sporadic snow flurries late into the year, it’s refreshing to throw open the windows to let in the breeze and spend hours soaking up the sunshine on the back porch.

I’ve always found fresh air to be good for me. I can easily spend all day outside listening to the chorus of birds singing and watching clouds lazily drift by. This kind of meditative relaxation leaves me feeling calm and focused.

Some of my favorite activities can only be enjoyed while outdoors. I love taking walks, especially through the wetlands along our local wheelchair-friendly trails at Eagle Marsh, Indiana. The area often abounds with wildlife you might not expect to find in the middle of a city. It’s always a treat to visit with the assortment of creatures that call Eagle Marsh their home.

On any given day, there’s a chance of stumbling across ducks guarding their nests, small snakes sunning themselves on the warm pavement, or butterflies exploring the patches of wildflowers. My family and I have even spotted deer that live in the nearby woods. All of this beautiful nature is enjoyed while listening to the frogs chirp to each other in the background.

Grilling and outdoor dining are other summer activities that are popular in our house. The smell of perfectly grilled cheeseburgers on warm, breezy evenings draws our family to the porch to share a delicious meal.

One of the only things that distract from these lovely evenings is the possibility of becoming a meal for hungry mosquitoes. The pesky bugs seem to have a knack for landing in places that are completely out of my limited reach. I keep them away with help from lots of bug spray and citronella candles, and I try to stay close to someone who can squish the tiny vampires for me.

With our stomachs satisfied and the mosquitoes at bay, the rest of the night is typically spent in conversation while we watch the dogs play in the yard. Geri is an expert on patrolling the area for dangerous squirrels, while our puppy, Thor, is content to roll in the grass and investigate interesting smells. The dogs often end up joining us around the table to ask for leftover french fries, and we occasionally listen to an impromptu guitar performance by my brother.

Some of the activities I enjoy during the colder months can even be moved outdoors on beautiful summer days. I am a self-proclaimed bookworm, and my favorite place to read is in the fresh air. I find great joy in getting lost in the pages of a good book while the sun warms my face and the wind gently blows my hair around my shoulders.

This time of the year has long been my favorite. It is refreshing and relaxing but also exciting and energizing. I’m glad that I have many opportunities to get out and enjoy it.

Do you enjoy summer or do you prefer a different season? What are some of your favorite ways to take advantage of the warm weather? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today, or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.