Russia strikes US-owned factory as Trump backs Ukraine offense

Russian cruise missiles destroyed an American-owned electronics factory in western Ukraine early Thursday, killing one person and injuring 15 in one of Moscow’s largest aerial assaults of the year. The attack prompted President Donald Trump to support Ukraine’s right to launch offensive strikes against Russia, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy as peace negotiations appear stalled.

I’m proud to say I stuck to my goal. I managed to visit the beach every single day for 48 days.

While it gave me the chance to connect with the natural environment, the challenge presented some unexpected benefits too.

Instant relaxation

As I embarked on this challenge, I knew that the beach would have a calming effect.

But what I found was, even when I had only planned to go to the beach for a few minutes, I always stayed longer.

Giving myself the time to stop each day was such a treat. The feel of the sand, the salty smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves – it was a real sensory experience.

My mind was quieter and I felt my chest open. I took deep breaths and time slowed. I didn’t feel the need to “do” anything. It was lovely to just be.

Free pedicure

Sand is a great exfoliator.

I remember looking down at my feet one day and thinking how healthy they looked. My skin was clear, there was no flakiness and my toe nails were a soft pink.

I never expected the challenge to be physically beneficial for my body but, at the time, many people also commented on my natural glow.

Finding purpose

The beach challenge gave my day purpose, and having a reward or something to look forward to made tasks throughout the day easier.

As a freelancer, whose days are never the same, it also gave me some structure. I could incorporate the beach visits into my plan and build my day around it.

It often forced me to take the break I so desperately needed, and it became something that I prioritised.

Encouraging others

I used #lovellysummerbeachgoals as the hashtag for my beach challenge because I wanted to document it on social media and give people the chance to follow along, and maybe even get on board.

It still surprises how many people commented on my experience. Even now, two months on from it, people are genuinely interested in the challenge.

I get asked how I did, why I did it, and whether I am still doing it now. But the nicest thing is they have often said: “it made me think I should get to the beach more too”.

Getting back to nature

Reconnecting with the natural world is so good for the soul. To just be in nature can be so cleansing.

Last year I went to see a naturopath and cried – I was so exhausted and stressed, and sitting there with her just brought it all to the surface.

She prescribed me “30 minutes walking along the beach, a couple times a week”, along with other recommendations for my diet.

The health benefits of visiting the beach or swimming in the ocean are well documented, and I felt them during this challenge.

Continuing the good vibes post challenge

After I finished my daily beach challenge, I noticed how much my mental health was impacted by not going to the beach. My work-life balance was affected and I’d lost that calm I’d found.

Once I didn’t have to go to the beach anymore, I didn’t. And I found myself yearning and craving to get outdoors.

That clarity and space I had forced myself to have during the challenge was now gone.

But I now have an easy solution to make myself feel better – get outdoors. Whether it’s to the beach, to the park or to my balcony, all I need to do is get out in nature and it leaves me feeling a thousand times better.