REI store manager and Board Member of Black Men Hike LA, Wendell Nelson, discusses how chronic stress can affect our daily lives and how one way to relieve that stress is “right outside our front door”.

Wendell shares the childhood experience where he first became connected with natural spaces, as well as a deeply grounding experience he had as a part of a local hiking group. He helps us see that nature is all around us and encourages us to experience nature in small ways that we may not have considered before. While getting outside and experiencing nature is a great way to help relieve chronic stress, only you will know which of these activities will work best for you. Be patient with yourself as you experiment with what feels best for your body and lifestyle.