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studio offers mindfulness-based practices for health and well-being. “Nature is a great place to be mindful,” she said. “We miss out on a lot of experiences because our minds are often stuck on autopilot. “If we bring mindfulness to nature and spend time more in our senses, the more deeply we get engaged in our surroundings. We feel the air and we hear the birds, which are all rich layers of nature.” IMPORTANT PERSPECTIVE The benefits of being mindful in nature have a lot to do with the feeling of awe we may get when viewing something out of the ordinary. “Nature definitely helps lower the stress hormones in the system like cortisol, which can improve thinking, vital-
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PITCH A TENT Dozens of state parks, forests and recreation areas around the state offer hundreds of places to set up camp in the off-season, with plowed sites and unplowed walk-in spots. Some have electrical hookups and water available, while others require a bit more roughing it. Reservations are not required for most of these campsites in winter. Check out the DNR’s winter camping page to start planning your adventure, dnr.wi.gov/ topic/parks/camping/winter.
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When the temperature drops and the snow flies, it’s human nature to cozy up indoors with a fire, good book or favorite binge-worthy show. But the world outside is calling us to explore, and you don’t need to wait for the thaw to head out. Welcome winter outdoors and cure cabin fever with these fun pursuits. — Andrea Zani
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Wonderful Winter CATCH A FISH Fans of fishing need not slow down when the water’s surface freezes over. Bundle up and head out on the ice for plenty of angling fun. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions or thickness, so be smart and safe. An angling license is required in winter (buy at gowild.wi.gov) except during Free Fishing Weekend, Jan. 15-16. Season dates and bag limits apply. To learn more, including ice fishing tips and techniques, see dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/icefishing, and flip to our Gear Up feature in this issue for a list of ice fishing essentials.
