I have many daily health and beauty rituals. I drink a lot of purified water, and I avoid a list of foods that don’t make me feel my best. I meditate most days and I consume more leafy greens that just about anyone I know. I take time away from electronics and cell phones, I’m an avid reader, and I love to laugh and laugh and laugh.

But my #1 secret for a happy, healthy, connected ME isn’t any of these things. It’s not the dry skin brushing I do, or the supplements I take, or the massages I receive every month. It’s not the acupuncture, the pilates, or journaling that I do, either.

It’s my daily walks with my family. These 45 minutes spent outside – rain or shine – moving my body, talking and connecting with my husband, and singing with my son are some of the most precious and important minutes that I spend on any given day.

For me, it’s the combination of movement and checking in with each other – as in, how are you really doing today? – that makes this time so important and priceless for me. There are so many pulls and demands on my attention every day, and so many temptations to go faster and get distracted from the things that are most important to me. Taking the time to get out out of the house, tend to myself, and connect with my family is fun, effective and profound. What do you do to stay happy, healthy and connected to YOU?