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🌳 Are outdoor workouts better for you?

Wednesday 10/1: Sponsored by I Hate It Here - Sustainable fall ideas, sunset of the day, and exercising outdoors

October 01, 2025

In partnership with

Wednesday

“Let nature be your home base.”

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

  • Sustainable swaps for a cozier autumn

  • Sunset of the day at Saranac Lake

  • Real advice for your office job

  • Why your brain loves outdoor workouts

True or False?

Reusable water bottles only make a difference if you use them over 100 times.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Sustainable Swaps for a Cozier Autumn

Fall is full of cozy rituals, but it can also come with a lot of waste. From fast fashion hauls to single-use decorations, seasonal habits can add up quickly.

The good news? A sustainable fall doesn't mean giving anything up. Thrift your cold-weather layers instead of buying new, or host a decoration swap with friends. If you're carving pumpkins, roast the seeds, compost the rest, or leave them in the woods for wildlife. Want to warm up without cranking the heat? Layer up in secondhand knits and sip a hot drink in a reusable mug (some cafés even give discounts).

And when it comes to Thanksgiving meals or weekend hikes, shop local and take only what you need. These small changes don’t just cut down on waste. They reconnect us with what we love about fall in the first place.

Sunset of the Day at Saranac Lake

The Canopy reader Stacey shared this peaceful shot from Saranac Lake in upstate New York. The lake’s calm surface catches every bit of color as the sky winds down. Quiet, still, and just the right kind of beautiful to end the day with.

Thanks to Stacey for sending this in. If you’ve captured a sunset that made you stop and breathe a little deeper, we’d love to see it too!

Image courtesy of The Canopy reader, Stacey.

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The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.

That’s what this newsletter delivers.

I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.

Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.

Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.

Thank you to I Hate It Here for sponsoring The Canopy.

Why Your Brain Loves Outdoor Workouts

A new study confirms what many hikers and park walkers already feel: nature makes movement better. Researchers found that walking outside, in a forest, park, or along the beach, reduced stress and lifted people’s moods more than walking in a city or on a treadmill.

Participants also felt calmer and less tired, and their hearts recovered faster after being in green spaces. Even one outdoor walk a week was enough to boost motivation and reduce anxiety.

While gyms still offer value, especially for structure or bad weather, adding a little nature into your movement routine could make it more enjoyable. If you’ve been struggling to stay active, swapping one indoor workout for a 30-minute nature walk might be a small but powerful shift. It’s good for your body, your mind, and it helps you reconnect with the world around you.

Quick Picks:

From scenic trails to cozy bowls, check out this week’s top fall-friendly finds:

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: False! Even 10–20 uses can offset the impact of single-use plastics.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured!