Dinner Doesn’t Need to be a drag.

(read time: 1 min)

Planning, cooking, cleaning for your family… every day… ugh… you get it. And yet, you have a solution to this madness right outside your door. Autumn is the goldilocks of al fresco dining; not too hot, not too cold, just perfect.

YOUR BOOST

Bring some part of supper this week outside. It could be the whole thing, or just dessert, whatever works. Do it before the time change so you still have some sunlight.

THE SCIENCE

Being outside stimulates your mind to pay attention to your senses. When this happens during meal times, you not only enjoy food more, but also your digestive system works better, helping your body use nutrients more effectively. Plus, sunlight kicks your body into making vitamin D, which can help decrease symptoms of depression.

TAKE HOME

If you have a patio or yard, bring it there. If not, can you pack a picnic for a local park, or take it out to the stoop. The greener the space the better for stress reduction, but even 15 minutes changing the routine monotony of family dinner time will improve your feelings of well being and that of your loved ones.

No shame, no guilt, just more good days.

-Nicole