Appalachian Highlands winter mindfulness challenge

The holiday season can be a mixed bag of emotions, somewhere between beautiful and chaotic.With shorter days, colder weather and obligations, it can be a challenge to find time to slow down. Consider this a gentle invitation to pause and connect with nature this winter through an Appalachian Highlands mindfulness challenge — wherever you are in the season.1. Mindful Winter Walk (Or Bike Ride)Explore a local greenbelt trail, park or green space. Some thoughtful spots can be found in Buffalo Mountain Park, Winged Deer Park, The Tweetsie Trail, Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, the Kingsport Greenbelt Trail, and Steele Creek Park.2. Scenic Drive and ReflectionTake a scenic drive this winter and stop for fresh air, Blue Ridge Mountain views, and a 5-10 minute reflection atop an overlook. The Tennessee Welcome Center on Interstate 26 is a great place to rest, recharge, and have an outdoor picnic not too far from home. Or, take a bit of a longer drive to one of the peaceful overlooks near Roan Mountain State Park.3. Nature CreativityGrab a sketchbook, pencil, eraser, and find a local urban area or national forest to sketch your surroundings. Draw the leaves fallen on the ground, the creeks running through the park, or simply notice an object in your surroundings that catches your eye. For an added piece to the challenge, visit The Phil- osopher's House poetry writing workshop and write a poem on their newly added outdoor patio over a mug of warm tea.4. Wildlife TrackingVisit Warriors Path State Park, with nice wooded paths, and observe bird activity, animal tracks, and signs of deer and squirrels. Make it a fun scavenger hunt and get the whole family outdoors for quality time together this season. Or for added adventure, bring your mountain bikes and swing into Reedy Creek Bicycles for tips from locals.5. Winter StargazingSpend 15-30 minutes stargazing around the Appalachian Highlands. Try out some of the spots on the Tennessee Night Sky Trail while considering the vastness of nature and dreaming up some goals for the new year.Share your winter mindfulness adventures with us at Six Rivers Media! #BemindfulAppHighlands