Yoga is gaining all over France and daily meditation is becoming a way of life with stress levels mounting. In the summer, though, French women opt for the outdoors, whether at the beach or in the mountains, as being outdoors ups mental health benefits by 50% over exercising in a gym. Besides, meditation affects our brain in a positive way, and according to the latest studies a few weeks of daily meditation can shrink an area of the brain linked with memory and emotions.  No need to turn into an Indian guru.  A few minutes of silence, deep breathing and focusing on chasing away all our thoughts in the morning and evening will do wonders.  So go and meditate…which also is not limited to sitting somewhere by oneself but do it outdoors, focus on the beauty of a flower or a garden or the landscape you are in. Amazing.