 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Outdoor Activities for Mind, Body and Spirit This comprehensive guide offers practical strategies for integrating mind-body-spirit activities into outdoor routines, drawing from expert insights across psychology, fitness, and wellness fields. Presented here are actionable steps that make nature-based activities accessible for everyone, regardless of their current comfort level with the outdoors. From simple daily walks to purposeful outings that combine physical movement with mental wellness, these methods provide a clear pathway to experiencing the transformative benefits of connecting with nature.
Conduct Anxiety Interviews While Walking Outside As a clinical psychologist who works with anxious high achievers, I’ve found that the most effective outdoor strategy is what I call “anxiety interviews with nature.” Instead of forcing structured exercise, I have clients take their worry sessions outside and literally talk through their stress while walking. One client who struggled with perfectionism started doing her daily “worry time” on a 20-minute nature trail behind her office. She’d set a timer and voice all her anxious thoughts out loud while walking, then when the timer went off, she’d spend 5 minutes just listening to sounds around her. Her chronic tension dropped dramatically within three weeks. The breakthrough happens because you’re combining two therapeutic techniques I use regularly — allowing yourself to fully feel difficult emotions (instead of avoiding them) while simultaneously grounding in your physical body through movement. Most people try to escape anxiety, but when you face it outdoors, the natural environment helps regulate your nervous system automatically. What surprised me most was how clients started craving these outdoor worry sessions. The combination of processing emotions while moving in nature created a natural addiction to the outdoors that no gym membership ever achieved. - Ann Krajewski, Therapist, Everbe Therapy Put Nervous System First, Activity Second As a somatic therapist working with overwhelmed, burned-out clients, I’ve found that most people resist outdoor activities because their nervous systems are stuck in survival mode — making “one more thing” feel impossible rather than restorative. The strategy that works is what I call “nervous system first, activity second.” Before suggesting hiking or beach walks, I help clients notice their current stress state through simple body awareness. When someone realizes their jaw is clenched and shoulders are up to their ears, suddenly stepping outside to “shake it off” makes intuitive sense rather than feeling like another should. I had a client who insisted she “hated being outside” and preferred her home gym. After she learned to recognize when her fight-or-flight was activated, she started instinctively stepping onto her balcony during stressful work calls. Within weeks, she was taking walking meetings outside because her body craved the regulation that fresh air and movement provided. The key is teaching people to listen to what their body actually needs in the moment, rather than forcing outdoor activities as another item on their wellness to-do list. When you understand that your racing heart needs movement or your frozen state needs gentle activation, nature becomes medicine instead of obligation. - Amy Hagerstrom, Owner, Amy Hagerstrom LCSW Create Safe Spaces to Rediscover Play If there’s one strategy I’ve found that truly works to get people outdoors and reconnect with their mind, body, and spirit — it’s not about persuasion, it’s about invitation through experience. Let me tell you what I really mean. Years ago, when I started teaching skateboarding, I used to think my job was to show people how to ride — how to balance, how to turn, how not to fall. But somewhere between those lessons, I began to notice something deeper happening. People — kids, parents, even grandparents — would show up nervous, tense, glued to their phones or their to-do lists. And within an hour of standing on that board, they’d be laughing, cheering each other on, and forgetting about everything else. There’s a moment when someone finally rolls down a ramp for the first time — the world seems to slow down. You can almost see their brain light up with a mix of fear, courage, and joy. That single moment breaks through the noise of daily life. It reconnects them to something primal and human. So when people ask me how to encourage others to step outside, my answer is: give them a safe space to rediscover play. Skateboarding, to me, is a form of moving meditation. Your mind can’t wander — you’re fully present. Your body learns balance, rhythm, and patience. And your spirit? It soars the first time you realize you’re gliding under your own control. One of my favorite memories is from a GOSKATE lesson in Los Angeles — a mom who had never skateboarded in her life came just to watch her son. By the end of the class, she said, “Alright, I’m trying it once.” That “once” turned into thirty minutes of laughter, a few falls, and a photo she still sends me every year. She later told me, “That day changed how I saw myself. I remembered I can still be brave. I can be myself.” That’s what outdoor activity does — it restores the parts of us that routine dulls. It’s not just about fitness or fresh air; it’s about awakening the spark that everyday life buries. If you want to inspire people to go outside, don’t sell them exercise — offer them transformation. Whether it’s skateboarding, hiking, surfing, or biking, the right experience reminds us that the world isn’t just something we look at through a screen — it’s something we can still touch, feel, ride, and really enjoy! And if you ask me, nothing captures that feeling quite like standing on a skateboard, taking that first push, and realizing — you’re free again. - Robert Dunfey, Founder, GoSkate.com Offer Three-Minute Sensory Nature Snacks The most effective strategy is to lower the barrier to entry so drastically that it feels impossible to say no. We often overwhelm ourselves with grand plans — a two-hour hike or a trip to a national park — which creates a mental hurdle that encourages procrastination and inaction. In my psychiatry practice, I reframe the outdoors from a major commitment into a simple, sensory “snack.” I don’t tell a patient struggling with depression to “go for a run.” Instead, I might suggest they step onto their porch for just three minutes and focus only on the feeling of the air on their skin or the sound of the birds. This micro-dose of nature accomplishes two critical things. First, it breaks the powerful inertia of staying inside, making a longer walk tomorrow feel more achievable. Second — and more importantly — it pulls them out of their internal world of worry and into the physical present, which is the foundation of mindfulness. It’s not about conquering a mountain; it’s about reconnecting with the ground beneath your feet. That small, consistent act of stepping outside builds the momentum needed for bigger changes to the mind, body, and spirit. - Ishdeep Narang, MD, Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist | Founder, ACES Psychiatry, Orlando, Florida Disguise Outdoor Time As Something Else As a therapist who founded a mental health practice, I found something counterintuitive about outdoor activities: starting ridiculously small is what actually gets people moving long-term. I used to force myself into running routines that made me gain weight from stress and inconsistency, until I switched to simple walking. The strategy that works is what I call “stealth wellness” — disguising outdoor time as something else you already want to do. I started taking therapy calls while walking outside, listening to podcasts during hikes, and even bringing my dog along for “his exercise” when I really needed mine. It removes the mental barrier of feeling like you’re adding another task to your day. With my clients, I’ve seen this work especially well for overwhelmed moms. One client started taking her toddler on “nature scavenger hunts” in local parks instead of forcing solo gym sessions. Another began walking meetings with colleagues instead of coffee shop catch-ups. The key is piggybacking outdoor activity onto relationships or interests you’re already prioritizing. Track your mood before and after, not your steps or miles. I noticed my decision-making improved dramatically after outdoor time, which made me crave it more than any fitness goal ever did. When you connect outdoor activities to immediate mental benefits rather than long-term physical ones, the motivation becomes self-sustaining. - Christine Willing, CEO, Think Happy Live Healthy Build Confidence Through Layered Preparation After 13 years in the fitness industry, I’ve learned that the biggest barrier to outdoor activities isn’t physical — it’s mental. The most effective strategy I use is **layered preparation**, which I found when transitioning my VP Fitness members from indoor-only workouts to outdoor activities each fall. Here’s what works: Start people with familiar indoor movements, then gradually add outdoor elements. For example, I’ll have someone master bodyweight squats in our gym, then take them to do the same squats on uneven terrain like trails or hills. The confidence from indoor mastery transfers outdoors, making the transition feel like progression rather than starting over. The game-changer is what I call “micro-exposure.” Instead of suggesting a 2-hour hike to someone who’s never been on trails, I recommend 15-minute outdoor walks after their regular gym session. At VP Fitness, we’ve seen 70% of members who try this approach eventually incorporate regular outdoor activities into their routine within 3 months. The key insight from my experience: People need to feel competent before they feel adventurous. Build their physical confidence indoors first, then the outdoors becomes an exciting challenge rather than an intimidating unknown. - Joseph Depena, Owner, VP Fitness Meet People Where They Are My company helps thousands get back on bikes and trikes after years of being told they couldn’t ride anymore. The most effective strategy I’ve found is **meeting people exactly where they are** instead of expecting them to come to you. We started taking our adaptive e-bikes and trikes directly to lifestyle villages, disability expos, and retirement communities across Queensland. Roger, one of our customers, hadn’t ridden in years after an accident affected his balance — his wife literally banned him from bikes. When we brought our sit-down e-trikes to his community center, he could try riding in a safe, familiar environment surrounded by neighbors instead of feeling intimidated in a bike shop. The magic happens when you remove barriers and make the activity feel achievable rather than aspirational. We’ve seen 70-year-olds who thought their riding days were over suddenly booking rail trail adventures with friends. The key is showing up where people already feel comfortable and letting them experience the joy without pressure or judgment. Over 70% of our customers are women, many who describe themselves as “wobbly riders.” When they can test ride surrounded by peers in their own community, the fear melts away and gets replaced by possibility. - Andrea Herklots, Co-Owner, EveryBody eBikes Begin With Chair-to-Nature Transitions As a trauma therapist in El Dorado Hills, I’ve found that most people avoid outdoor activities because they feel overwhelmed by the commitment or intimidated by starting something new. The most effective strategy I recommend is what I call “chair-to-nature transitions” — starting with activities you can literally do from a seated position outdoors. I regularly guide my clients to practice simple breathing exercises outside, beginning right on their porch or backyard. We do the 7-count inhale, 11-count exhale technique while they’re sitting in a comfortable chair outdoors, which removes the pressure of “having to hike” or “being athletic.” Within weeks, they naturally start wanting to walk while doing their breathing practice because they’ve already built the outdoor habit. The breakthrough happens when people realize they’re already getting the nervous system regulation benefits without the performance anxiety. One client went from severe social anxiety to joining weekend nature photography groups, simply because she started with 10-minute seated meditations in her garden. She never felt like she was “exercising” — just extending her therapy practice outside. This approach works because it honors where people actually are rather than where they think they should be. The mind-body connection strengthens naturally when you remove the shame around fitness levels or outdoor experience. - Erinn Everhart, Owner, Every Heart Dreams Counseling Make Outdoor Activities Social and Fun One strategy that’s worked really well for me is making outdoor activities social and low-pressure. Instead of framing it as “exercise” or “training,” I invite friends or family for short walks, casual hikes, or even a picnic with a bit of movement built in. That takes away the intimidation factor and makes it feel fun rather than a chore. Having company also keeps people accountable, and the shared experience adds a mental and emotional boost on top of the physical benefits. Over time, even a few minutes outside each day can noticeably lift mood, increase energy, and create a sense of connection to nature without feeling like a formal workout. - Gareth Luke, Founder, CMS Fitness Courses Match Activities to Personal Energy Sources I like to encourage personalization as the lever, not persuasion. When people identify WHY they feel best. If that is movement, curiosity, creation, or connection, they can match outdoor experiences to those intrinsic drivers. Someone who restores energy through solitude will respond to a sunrise walk; a social refueler might prefer a group hike or pickup game; a creative personality might be drawn to outdoor photography or gardening. The strategy is to translate self-knowledge into environmental enjoyment. Show them that the outdoors isn’t a setting, it’s a medium that amplifies what already sustains them. Once activity aligns with temperament, participation stops needing motivation and starts becoming more. When a client comes to me and needs to shake up their routine, I will often ask them to answer the following questions to themselves: 1. When you feel drained, which kind of effort feels most natural: movement, conversation, creation, or solitude? (Reveals energy source: physical, social, expressive, or reflective.) 2. Which feeling tells you a day was well spent: calm, pride, curiosity, or connection? (Identifies your internal definition of fulfillment.) 3. When you lose track of time, what are you usually doing? (Exposes flow states worth recreating intentionally.) 4. What type of challenge makes you sharper instead of tired: technical precision, human interaction, artistic risk, or strategic problem-solving? (Distinguishes between stress that fuels growth and stress that corrodes it.) These have been incredibly effective. They promote growth without the guesswork — no blind dart throwing, just deliberate experience. The process also helps people gauge how far they actually want to step into something new, easing anxiety and reinforcing progress with real, positive feedback. - Christopher Yeoman, Owner/ Operator, MyoBio Fitness Break Down Activity Into Tiny Steps One effective strategy to encourage people to try outdoor activities is by breaking the process down into tiny, achievable steps you can easily manage, like pulling on running shoes or standing in front of the fridge, grabbing a water bottle and an apple, to overcome initial resistance. I’ve discovered that starting small builds momentum — when I first started to trail run after long days in the office, I’d think: “Just lace up.” Such a simple act resulted in a 20-minute run along the North Shore of Minnesota, where fresh air and pine smells lifted my mood and reduced stress. This micro-step method, based in behavioral science, helps to make daunting activities feel possible — triggering a cycle of action that raises endorphin levels and further deepens our spiritual connection with nature. Start with a five-minute commitment that’s doable, such as getting outside, to stoke the flames of that desire. This technique works because it sidesteps overwhelm, instead offering an invitation to engage slowly. For a friend reluctant to go hiking with me, I told her simply to put on a backpack — next thing she knew, we were 3 miles into the hike and my friend told me that she felt “alive again.” Work on one small action each day, and tether it to a reward (perhaps a sunset view) to hook the habit. It’s like kindling a campfire — one spark starts the blaze for mind, body, and soul. - Chad Lipka, President | Marketing Director, North Shore Sauna Create a Comfortable Outdoor Sanctuary One of the most effective and accessible ways to encourage outdoor wellness is by creating a simple outdoor sanctuary — a personal, comfortable space that invites daily connection with nature. You don’t need to hike a mountain or travel far to reap the benefits of the outdoors. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping into your backyard or patio and truly enjoying your environment. A small outdoor sanctuary might be as simple as a porch swing layered with soft cushions, a cozy throw, and warm lighting. When people have a dedicated space to relax and recharge outside, they’re far more likely to make outdoor time a habit — not a chore. Comfort is key. Many people avoid spending time outdoors because it feels too hot, too cold, too buggy, or just too much work. But with a little planning — think blankets, layered clothing, a thermos of something warm, and even a weather-resistant swing or chair — you can create a year-round retreat that feels inviting in every season. In the chillier months, a heated blanket or a fire pit can turn your porch or patio into a restorative haven. Nature doesn’t have to be a distant destination — it can be a comfy, beautiful nook just outside your door. And from that comfort comes consistency, and from consistency comes the real mental, physical, and emotional benefits that only fresh air and stillness can provide. - Kristen Manieri, Owner, Easy Breezy Porch Swings Transform Exercise Into Purposeful Outings Make it feel less like exercise and more like an outing. Hop on a bike and ride to the farmer’s market on a weekend morning. You get fresh air, you’re moving, and you come home with food to enjoy later. It’s good for your body and also feeds your mind and spirit because it feels enjoyable, not like a workout. - Danae DiGiulio, Founder & CEO, CELESTE DU VIDE LLC Take Workouts Outside for Mental Reset Most of my training is focused on powerlifting, which takes a lot of focus and effort. When I’m drained, the last thing I want to do is another heavy session in the gym. So instead, I take it outside and do a simple CrossFit-style circuit. It doesn’t need to be complex. A mix of bodyweight movements, kettlebell swings, or light barbell work is enough. By the end, I’m drenched in sweat, my heart rate is high, and my mood has completely flipped. Fresh air and sunlight make a huge difference. Breaking up my usual routine with these outdoor sessions recharges my body and clears my head. If you want to get people excited about training outside, focus on how good it feels afterwards, more energy, less stress, and a genuine mental reset. - Adam Boucher, Head of Marketing, Turtle Strength Combine Physical Activity With Intellectual Stimulation I find that combining physical activity with intellectual stimulation creates a powerful incentive to get outdoors regularly. During my weekly 5K runs, I use this time to listen to industry podcasts or analyze market trends, which transforms a simple exercise routine into a valuable opportunity for both physical health and professional development. This multi-purpose approach makes outdoor activities feel productive and beneficial across multiple dimensions, which helps maintain consistent motivation. - Brandy Morton, Founder & CEO, Brandy Morton Marketing Ltd. Co. Start With Simple Daily Walks in Nature Based on my personal experience, I’ve found that starting with simple daily walks in nature is an effective entry point for people hesitant to engage in outdoor activities. Walking outdoors requires minimal equipment or special skills, yet provides significant benefits for managing stress and improving mood when incorporated as a regular practice. I recommend people begin with short, consistent outings in local natural settings, gradually building a routine that can evolve into other outdoor pursuits as confidence and interest grow. - Abhishek Joshi, Digital Marketer, Dog with Blog
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 Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Planning Family Reunions Family reunions require thoughtful planning to create meaningful experiences for relatives of all ages. These twelve expert-backed tips will help anyone transform a potentially chaotic gathering into a memorable celebration of family bonds.
Select Activities That Eliminate Age Barriers After organizing countless water adventures for extended families on the Gold Coast, I’ve learned that the secret to a successful family reunion is choosing an activity where everyone participates together, not separately. When I have three generations on one of our pontoon boats, magic happens because everyone’s doing the same thing at the same time. My top tip: pick a shared experience that naturally breaks down age barriers and creates organic bonding moments. On our 8-hour pontoon tours, I’ve watched teenagers teaching grandparents how to fish while parents handle the BBQ, and suddenly everyone’s laughing together. The confined space of a boat forces interaction in the best possible way. The key is eliminating the option for people to drift into their usual cliques or disappear into their phones. When your whole family is out on the water together, the shy cousin can’t hide in a corner and the teenagers can’t escape to their rooms. I’ve seen families who barely talked at the dock become completely different groups by the end of the day. What works is choosing something that requires teamwork but stays relaxed. Fishing together, manning the BBQ, or even just navigating to different spots gives everyone a role while keeping the pressure low. The best reunions happen when people forget they’re at a “family event” and just start having genuine fun. - Giovanni Randello, Owner, Gold Coast Pontoon and Jet Ski Tours Create Detailed Timelines to Prevent Problems For me, the key to a seamless family reunion is treating it like planning a big dinner rush at one of my restaurants — everything needs a timeline. Time after time, when last-minute issues pop up, those checklists and schedules have my back. Funny story: once I didn’t map out food service for a gathering, and we ended up with thirty hungry relatives waiting while pizza was still on the way. From kitchen tables to boardrooms, everyone nods when I say, ‘The more detailed the logistics, the less stressful the day.’ I’d suggest writing out a simple timeline of meals, activities, and breaks — it feels rigid but actually gives everyone more freedom to enjoy. - Allen Kou, Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille Balance Group Events With Individual Freedom As a Co-founder and CXO at City Unscripted, and mom to 9-year-old Sakura, when it comes to family get-togethers, I think the best advice I could give would be to select places of interest that cater to all ages and tastes. I chose a vineyard in Portugal’s Douro Valley, with wine tastings for adults, pottery workshops for the crafty and river activities for children. Going this route spares you the headache of cramming the entire family into the same activities. Successful reunions feature planned group dining and time on their own to spend as smaller groups choose. It’s a structure that mimics real family life, avoiding the pressures of forced togetherness which can lead to frustration. Morning meals encourage connectedness, and afternoons allow for a variety of activities — sightseeing for my parents, cooking with Sakura among her cousins, wine touring without taking uninterested family members along. Design reunion sites that respect individual choices and offer group meal connections and recreational events. Family ties are built on an understanding of diverse needs, rather than rigid timetables that defy generational and personal interests. Genuine family love can grow only when people are free to do what they want. - Yunna Takeuchi, Co-founder & CXO, City Unscripted Choose Venues That Accommodate Everyone’s Needs When planning a family reunion, I’ve found that choosing the right venue that accommodates everyone’s needs is absolutely critical. Based on my experience coordinating a trip for 14 family members, I learned that prioritizing what makes children happy — like accessible swimming areas, familiar food options, and treats — ensures the adults can relax and enjoy themselves too. Selecting an all-inclusive option saved us significant stress by eliminating constant decision-making about meals and activities during our time together. - Ashley Kenny, Co-Founder, Heirloom Video Books Design Multiple Zones for Comfortable Interaction At my 80-acre ranch in Evergreen, I’ve hosted family gatherings for years and learned that space planning makes or breaks these events. My top tip is to create multiple “zones” throughout your space rather than cramming everyone into one area. I set up different activity stations — kids playing in one area while adults gather around a fire pit, and a separate quiet zone for older relatives who want to chat without chaos. This prevents that overwhelming feeling when 30+ people are all competing for the same space and attention. From staging homes professionally, I know that good flow keeps people comfortable and engaged longer. At our last reunion, I used the same principles I apply to maximize small spaces — foldable furniture that could be moved as needed, a dedicated beverage station away from the main gathering area, and cozy outdoor seating with blankets for overflow. The result was that people actually stayed longer instead of leaving early because they felt overwhelmed. Everyone found their comfort zone, conversations flowed naturally, and we didn’t have the usual bottlenecks around food or seating that kill the vibe at big family events. - Adam Bocik, Partner, Evergreen Results Assign Clear Roles for Stress-Free Gatherings The key to a successful family reunion is assigning clear roles early — one person handles food, another manages games, another keeps track of photos and videos. That structure frees everyone to relax and actually enjoy the day instead of scrambling. When we organised ours, we also built a shared WhatsApp group months in advance so even the quieter relatives could get involved in planning. By the time we met, it already felt like we’d reconnected. - Alan Senejani, Co-founder, Digital Marketing Director, Violin Luthier, LVL Music Academy Offer Flexible Dates and Arrival Windows As someone who’s coordinated hundreds of bridal parties and wedding events at my salon, I’ve learned that timing flexibility is everything for family gatherings. The biggest mistake I see families make is picking one rigid date and expecting everyone to rearrange their lives around it. When my own family planned our last reunion, I applied the same strategy I use for bridal consultations — I sent out three possible weekend options six months ahead and had everyone vote. Just like coordinating bridesmaids’ schedules, giving people choices dramatically increased our attendance from the usual 60% to 85%. The game-changer was creating what I call “arrival windows” instead of exact times. At the salon, I learned that telling someone “be here between 2–4 PM” works way better than “be here at 3 PM sharp” — especially with families traveling different distances. We had people filtering in naturally throughout the day instead of everyone stressing about being late. Most importantly, plan for the inevitable no-shows by overestimating food and activities by about 20%. In my 14 years of event planning, there’s always someone who brings unexpected guests or shows up last minute. Having that buffer kept our reunion stress-free and welcoming. - Jessica Roja, Owner, To Dye For Beauty Studio Address Emotional Needs Before the Event My top tip for planning a family reunion is to check in with a few key relatives before the event. I’ve found that when you know what folks might need — whether it’s a quiet space, a buffer from old tension, or a special role — it helps prevent stressful surprises. At one reunion, I arranged a calm corner with board games for cousins who sometimes feel overwhelmed, and it really kept the mood lighter. The big takeaway from that experience was that you can’t skip emotional prep when you plan a gathering. It creates a sense of inclusion and makes people feel supported before they even arrive. - Amy Mosset, CEO, Interactive Counselling Traditional Family Recipes Unite Different Generations Food seems to unite people better than any other thing in life. The group decided to prepare several traditional dishes which my grandmother used to cook during our family reunions. The kitchen became a shared space where three different generations spent time together while exchanging memories. The simple act of cooking did not require much money or effort, yet it created genuine opportunities for people to bond. The practice of preparing meals based on family customs provides an effortless method to create feelings of togetherness. - Tzvi Heber, CEO & Counselor, Ascendant New York Make Storytelling the Heart of Reunions Storytelling stands as the main attraction during all family reunions I have attended. The family members dedicated one evening to listening to their elderly relatives describe their childhood experiences, the origins of their family, and their battles against adversity. All younger cousins paid complete attention to the entire conversation. The storytelling session added depth to the event, which otherwise would have been limited to dining and recreational activities. The act of sharing personal stories at reunions transforms these events into enduring experiences. - James Mikhail, Founder at Ikon Recovery Center & Managing Partner at Precious Cosmetics, Ikon Recovery Form Small Committee to Handle Logistics A small planning committee should handle all logistical responsibilities. The process of planning with all family members involved turned into a disorganized and time-consuming mess. The second planning effort succeeded because three people took charge of venue selection, food arrangements, and activity organization, which resulted in quick decision-making. The process will slow down when multiple people try to make decisions, so it is better to choose leaders for each task. - Timothy Brooks, CEO & Co-Founder, Synergy Houses Anchor Your Reunion With Established Traditions The foundation for our reunions should begin with established traditions which can serve as the base for further planning. The Saturday night bonfire remains our family’s constant tradition which serves as the main event for our reunions. The remaining activities will organize themselves after establishing the main event. The practice of anchoring with tradition provides a familiar event which brings excitement to people from different age groups. - Garrett Diamantides, Partner — Southeast Detox, Southeast Addiction Center & Southeast Addiction Center Nashville Director of Medical Billing at Remedial Pro, Southeast Detox Georgia  Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Podcasting Community Hello Readers and Contributors!
Style My Soul is partnering with global contributors to share their ideas, in small insightful doses, by presenting their brands and missions with the world. Those interested are welcome to complete the formal podcast pitch form to learn more. *Due to demand and bandwidth purposes, follow up messages will not be entertained. Only candidates aligning with the community’s interests shall be contacted with details for participation. Some of the topics presented by participants are:
Not ready to lend your voice behind the mic? When there’s a way, there’s a way! Members can still consider contributing their life and professional insights in written format here. After all, your message ignites all possibilities for people to live their life in style!  Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Life Skills Subjects; Students Schools play a crucial role in shaping future adults, but are they teaching all the essential life skills? We explore key subjects that experts believe should be included in school curricula to better prepare students for adulthood. From emotional literacy to tax system fundamentals, discover the skills that could make a significant difference in young people’s lives.
Teach Emotional Literacy for Resilient Adulthood I believe our school curriculum has a fundamental blind spot: we teach students how to navigate the external world, but not their own internal one. That missing subject is Emotional Literacy. We meticulously train them in math and literature but offer almost no formal guidance on how to manage disappointment, handle anxiety, or sit with the discomfort of a difficult challenge. This isn’t about ‘controlling’ emotions; it’s about understanding what they are telling us. In my practice as a child and adult psychiatrist, I see so many capable adults who are held back not by a lack of knowledge, but by an inability to tolerate distress. They may abandon a career goal after the first major setback or struggle in relationships because they never learned how to navigate conflict without becoming completely overwhelmed. Teaching kids to recognize their feelings as temporary signals, rather than permanent truths, would give them a foundational tool for building a resilient and meaningful adult life. - Ishdeep Narang, MD, Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist | Founder, ACES Psychiatry, Orlando, Florida Prepare Students with Risk Management Skills Risk management should be taught in schools. During my cancer treatment, I realized how a single unexpected event can disrupt everything: your finances, your emotions, and even your career. Planning ahead, knowing the tradeoffs, and preparing for “what ifs” became a necessity, not a choice. From my past experiences, I also saw how quickly situations can shift, budgets can be cut, priorities can change, and decisions can be made with limited information. The people who handled it best weren’t careless. They recognized the risks, adapted their plans, and kept moving forward without putting themselves or their teams in a difficult position. - Brandon Aversano, CEO, The Alloy Market Cultivate Life Skills Through Gardening Education Gardening should be a required subject in schools, not because every student will become a florist or farmer, but because tending to plants teaches the kind of patience, resilience, and responsibility that no textbook can. When a child plants a seed, they’re learning biology as well as learning that growth takes time, effort, and consistency. In my work creating sustainable floral designs, having an understanding of nature fosters respect for resources and an ability to adapt when things don’t go as planned. Those are the exact skills young adults need to navigate careers, relationships, and setbacks. Gardening also grounds us in sustainability at a human scale. Imagine a generation who sees food waste differently because they’ve grown a tomato from scratch, or who values collaboration because they’ve cared for a school garden together. These are tangible lessons in cause and effect, in stewardship, and in resilience. In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and digital, teaching students to slow down and nurture something living could be the most powerful life skill we give them to thrive in adulthood. - Kimberly Denis, Owner, Denis Flowers and Events Equip Students with Conflict Resolution Techniques One topic I believe should be taught in schools is conflict resolution and decision-making. As a professional, I have observed how the ability to pause, evaluate, and act carefully can make a significant difference between escalation and resolution. For students, this could provide a foundation for resolving disagreements, dealing with peer pressure, or managing tense situations in their daily lives. Instead of being governed solely by emotion or instinct, students could learn to remain calm and assess a situation, consider options, and make decisions that ensure everyone’s safety and respect. Role-playing exercises, problem-solving activities, and open discussions would equip them with practical skills that they can apply outside the classroom. With this type of preparation, young adults would enter adulthood feeling confident in their ability to handle problems effectively. They would not merely react but also become proactive in fostering healthier outcomes for themselves and others. - Joshua Schirard, Director, Byrna Empower Youth with Financial Literacy Knowledge If I had to choose, I would say that financial literacy, especially concerning home ownership, should be taught in schools. I have observed many first-time buyers entering situations blindly, such as not understanding closing costs or how interest accumulates. In real estate, this lack of knowledge can cost people tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. Teaching the fundamentals of mortgages, budgeting, and equity early on would prepare students to avoid costly mistakes later in life. - Mike Wall, Founder/CEO, We Buy Gulf Coast Houses Introduce Home Maintenance for Practical Skills I have always thought that basic home maintenance skills should be taught in schools, at least as an elective. I believe these skills for repairing basic fixtures, appliances, and other items around the home are valuable for students to have as they move into adulthood. Furthermore, I think that learning these types of skills can equip students with great critical thinking abilities as they learn to navigate repairs. Additionally, I believe classes like these could help students realize the value of the trades and potentially discover a career path they might not have considered before. - Carr Lanphier, CEO, Improovy Educate on Legal Rights and Responsibilities One subject I strongly believe should be taught in schools is a practical course on legal rights and responsibilities. As a criminal defense attorney, I see too many people, especially young adults, make life-altering mistakes simply because they don’t understand the law or their rights when interacting with law enforcement. Teaching students their constitutional rights, how to protect themselves legally, and the real-world consequences of certain decisions would empower them to make smarter choices and avoid preventable run-ins with the justice system. If I could pick a second related subject, it would be conflict resolution. Many of the cases I handle start with situations that escalated unnecessarily because emotions took over, and people lacked the tools to de-escalate. Teaching students emotional intelligence, communication skills, and strategies to manage conflict peacefully would make them better prepared for adulthood. - Ross Goodman, Founding Partner, Goodman Law Group Develop Digital Literacy for Modern Challenges Something that I think students of today should be taught is digital literacy. We have to accept the state of our world in terms of how much of an effect digitalization has on us, from how we consume media, to how we communicate, to how we work, and more. Digital literacy is something that is growing exponentially in importance, especially with things like growing concerns with AI and online scams. Students should be taught how to navigate the digital world in a safe way. - Edward Tian, CEO, GPTZero Instruct Students on Tax System Fundamentals Tax-related subjects should be taught in schools. I really feel like they should be taught in schools so that when these kids grow up, they are able to handle their finances better. Taxes are tricky, and when students understand how the tax system operates and why it exists, they’ll build financial literacy. This is one of the most important things that anyone should learn. - Brandon George, Director of Demand Generation & Content, Thrive Internet Marketing Agency |