May 23, 2025
Welcome to THE BIOLOGIST: notes on fragrance, culture and the senses.
Out Of Office Energy
Summer doesn’t start on a calendar - it starts in a feeling. Lighter clothes, louder birds, time that softens at the edges. This long weekend is your cue to recalibrate: move slower, breathe deeper, and let joy take up more space.
Whether you’re road-tripping or couch-bound, scent can help anchor you in that energy.
You don’t have to hike a mountain or hit 10,000 steps. Just being outside - especially in natural light - can reset your system in real, measurable ways.
Here’s what the research shows:
- Sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, improving sleep, energy, and mood. Morning light is especially powerful for syncing your internal clock.
- Vitamin D production increases when your skin is exposed to UVB rays. It supports immune function, bone health, and has been linked to reduced inflammation and seasonal depression.
- Time in nature lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress and promoting a calm, focused mental state. Even 20 minutes in a green space can help.
- Fresh air and natural scenery boost cognitive function. Think: better memory, sharper focus, more creativity.
So whether it’s a walk around the block, a coffee on the porch, or a full-day adventure, take the long weekend as a cue to step outside. Your body (and brain) will thank you.
You don’t need a boarding pass to feel far away. Some of the best resets are a few hours from home. Here are some mini road trip ideas no matter where you are in the US - for a last-minute long-weekend drive or to keep in your notes app for later this summer.
EAST COAST
- Phoenicia, NY: Tucked in the Catskills, this tiny town delivers big on nature, charm, and cold river dips. Grab a pastry at the Phoenicia Diner, hike Slide Mountain, and let the forest do its thing.
- New Hope, PA: Art galleries, slow brunches, and perfect vintage store energy.
WEST COAST
- Ojai, CA: Meditation hills, lemon trees, and the kind of air that smells alive.
- Port Townsend, WA: Seaside bookstores and salty breeze strolls in your favorite hoodie.
SOUTH
- Marfa, TX: Dusty stillness, starlit quiet, and creativity that buzzes just below the surface.
- Savannah, GA: Spanish moss, iced tea, and southern charm with bite.
MIDWEST
- Door County, WI: Waterfront towns, cherry everything, and breezes that beg for a blanket.
- Hocking Hills, OH: Waterfalls, forest hikes, and a sky full of stars.
This week, we were featured on KTLA’s Small Business Spotlight in Los Angeles - highlighting the power of scent, ritual, and building something meaningful from the ground up. It’s an honor to share what we’re creating, and a reminder that even small brands can make a big sensory impact.
If you caught us on TV: Hi! Welcome. If you didn’t: we’re still glad you’re here and you can catch the full segment here:
Thanks for being part of this with us.
Until next week…Roll-on, breathe deep, and enjoy your weekend.
