Getting Mental About It - Reasons to Go Outside

Mental Health & Cognition –

• Research shows that time spent outdoors significantly lessens mental health concerns such as:
• SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) - Intake of Vitamin D also plays a huge role in mood disorders
• Depression in kids and parents
• Post-partum depression. In fact one study I read – suggested that going outside everyday could decrease the symptoms of post-partum depression by 50%! A happy mama = a happy family! 

• Time pounding out energy outside also significantly decreases symptoms of ADHD

• Increase in problem solving and process skills – self reliance 
• Fosters socials skills such as collaboration and cooperation among siblings and peers 
• Increases observation skillsDevelops deeper understanding of the physical world – including physics, ecology, chemistry, geology, geography to name but a few 
• Increases focus 
• Self-actualization – the crucial skill for a person to understand what they are truly capable of

MyMayu Boots Review

The MyMayu boots are very intriguing! A waterproof hybrid of a closed croc and a gaitor, our hopes were high that these would be great alternative to the stiff rainboots and the Bogs that let water in when they reach the neoprene line. We just couldn't make them work for us in the rainforest that is Juneau. When given the choice our 3 year old always chose his Bogs or Xtratuffs over these. They weren't as easy to put on. The narrow foot didn't allow for much wiggle room, and he needed help adjusting the cinching cords to ensure they didn't fall down and let water in. Though they have fleece liners available for sale to boost the insulation value of the boot, the liners were easily bunched up, again from the narrow foot bed. You would also need to order boots bigger to allow for some space to create some insulation and not pinch the feet, imparing circulation for colder weather. Even in the summer months our water in the creeks, ocean and puddles is still pretty cold. The MuMayu boots did hold up to their claim to be waterproof and they are super light weight and not nearly as clunky as some of the other options out there. They are also compactible, which is great for throwing the pack.


The one super awesome use we found for these boots was when we were visiting family back East. These boots are fantastic for pulling over pants to keep ticks from climbing up pant legs in the woods, a big concern in New England because of the prevalence of Lyme Disease, carried by deer ticks.

If anyone is interested in trying them out for their kiddo we have a pair of blue ones in size 10 to pass of if you'd like to give them a go.