“The six best doctors: sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise, and diet.” ~Wayne Fields   I’ve always believed the best things in life are free. Sunshine on your skin next to a body of water ranks up there as one of my favorite experiences. I love nothing more than to be in a pool in the summertime. Though doctors have helped me with my depression, nature has provided me with my best doctors. When I’m in nature, I feel restored. When I was a child, I used to like to go on adventures. I would venture off into my parents’ backyard with the neighborhood kids, telling them we were going on an adventure into the forest. I was a little nature child in love with the flowers, the sunlight, and the trees. Those were some of my best memories of childhood. But, as I grew older I forgot about the restorative power of nature. I started working all of the time and using the weekends for chores. I stopped doing the things I loved. I forgot to venture into the forest. For years, I suffered from seasonal affective disorder. In the winter, a deep depression would overtake me. I was exhausted. I didn’t want to get out of bed. Being inside felt suffocating. The dark nights and the cold winters seemed to drain my spirit. In the spring, I’d feel reborn. Once I realized there was a definite seasonal aspect to my depression, I started taking preventative measures. I bought a light box and started getting up earlier each day to get some sunlight in the winter. I made a point to go meet friends and not stay at home all day. There are many tools I use to cope with my depression. I see a therapist and take medication. But, for me, the best medicine is preventative. It’s getting out into the world each day. Getting enough sunshine is vital to my well-being. I almost feel like the sun is recharging me when I’m outside. I take a morning walk each day to walk the dog and listen to the birds. I use that time to say positive affirmations to myself and reflect on having a good day. If I have time, I also take a walk during my lunch break or at least spend some time outside. I remember the days when I would stay inside at work eating my sandwich while staring at the computer. No more eating at the desk for me! I take another walk when I get home from work. It relieves the stress from the workday and sets me up for a nice evening. These are short ten-minute walks, but they really do make a difference. After dinner, I try to find some time just for me. Soaking in a hot bath seems to melt away all of my worries. Being a Pisces, I’ve always been drawn to water. I live in a land-locked state, but take every opportunity [...]