In many episodes of our Take 5 – Mindful Moments in Nature series, we have ventured to far-off places and thrilling natural scenes. But there is value in nearby nature as well. So today, we’ll escape to the type of place that might be closer to home.

After this episode, plan a few minutes in the outdoors and consider practicing a real-life mindful moment the next time you escape into nature. The best part is you can do it anywhere the great outdoors takes you – at the beach, on a hike, at a local park or in your own backyard.

In this episode, we journey to Niagara Falls and take in the impressive sounds of the falling water while focusing on cultivating gratitude. As we visualize ourselves on a boat venturing closer to the waterfall, take this mindful moment to relax and reflect on what you’re grateful for. This gratitude can come from any situation, good or bad.

In this episode, we will travel along the Colorado River, through one of the world’s most famous and beautiful natural settings – the Grand Canyon – while contemplating the health benefits of optimism.

Many research studies have found that optimism is correlated with better physical well-being compared to pessimism.

According to an article from Harvard Medical School, optimism helps people cope with disease and recover from surgery. Even more impressive is the impact of a positive outlook on overall health and longevity. Research tells us that an optimistic outlook early in life can predict better health and a longer lifespan. So, the next time you’re in nature, wondering whether that picturesque lake or river is half full or half empty, look on the brighter side of things – it may be good for your health!

Join us on this episode, as we unwind at the Atlantic Ocean in Vero Beach, Florida. Visualize a peaceful beach with fine white sand and gently rolling waves, and savor a quiet moment to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.

On this episode of the Healthy Insights Podcast’s Take 5 – Mindful Moments in Nature we visit Acadia National Park in Maine. We’ll visualize this beautiful coastal forest with rocky beaches, green trees and tall granite peaks and feel the clean, cool air brush over our face. But before we start on our visualization journey, we’ll take a moment to recognize and learn about our stress response and how to use slow, deep breaths to engage the metaphorical brake.

On this next episode of Healthy Insights Podcast, join us for our Take 5 – Mindful Moments in Nature series as we slow our breath down and visualize the serene scene of Horseshoe Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota. During this moment of relaxation, we’ll take in the sounds of nature as we paddle through the lake while imagining the tall pine trees and calm water around us, even spotting a moose.

Welcome to our second episode of Season 4! In just five minutes, we’ll help you take a mindful moment to relax while listening to the sounds of nature from some of the most beautiful places in the country. In this episode we consider the health benefits of nature while we venture into a New England forest in spring. Learn how exposure to nature can contribute to physical and mental wellbeing, while taking a virtual walk in the woods.

Welcome to Season 4 of the Healthy Insights Podcast! In this season, we will be doing something a little different with our all-new “Take 5 – Mindful Moments in Nature” series. In just five minutes, we will help you relax and take a mindful moment while listening to the sounds of nature from some of the most beautiful places in the country. Join us on our first episode, as we journey to Glacier National Park in Montana, moving past towering trees and along a meandering path, while listening to the sounds of tumbling streams of clear, vivid water. Watch a video version of the episode here.

Join us as we celebrate the conclusion of season 3 of Healthy Insights Podcast! Host Jim Narum is joined by Co-hosts Merilu Narum, Charlie Estey and Chris Sullivan to review and reflect on the great conversations and amazing guests from the prior 8 episodes.

Season 3 witnessed a wide variety of guests – from health & wellness industry legends to contemporary pioneers, global CEOs, successful founders, and even a hall of fame sports coach who helped break barriers in women’s athletics. Topics covered include mental health and wellbeing on an international scale, the impact of music on health, innovations in skin health, financial wellness, and more!

Listen in to a great group conversation and gain some valuable insights and tips to apply to your work and everyday life!

We hope you enjoyed season 3 of Healthy Insights Podcast. Stay tuned for season 4 – where we will push the limits even further with an innovative audio series that you won’t want to miss.

Missed an episode? Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and listen to episodes from season 1, 2 and 3 at your own pace.

On this episode of Healthy Insights Podcast, host Jim Narum in joined by co-host, Charlie Estey and American University Professor, Dr. Robert (Bob) Karch.

Dr. Karch is known by Jim and Charlie as a legend and pioneer of the health and wellness industry. Dr. Karch has been in the industry and teaching for 52 years! From early on Dr. Karch was always interested in exercise science and coaching. After he finished studying at American University, he ended up creating new academic programs including, the Master of Science program in Health Promotion Management and the Bachelor of Science program in Health Promotion, which would go on to become very successful programs for the university.

In this episode, they discuss Dr. Karch’s career and many accomplishments over the years. They also touch on the importance of education and responsibility when it comes to taking care of our bodies. Karch explains that just like you would keep up on the maintenance of your car, we need to do the same with our bodies. The conversation also dives into the importance of having faith in yourself and finding a purpose.

There’s much to discover in this week’s episode, our final guest episode of the season, don’t miss out!