The therapeutic benefits of taking out the garbage

Looking for a new wellness treatment? Try garbage therapy

For 30 years my wife and I have owned a getaway home 95 miles north of New York City. Our village has many charms and there's much to do, from foraging at the farmer's market to riding a scenic rail trail. There's a great book store and first-run movie theater, plus horse, dairy, and alpaca farms within a 10-minute drive. I've spent many an afternoon shagging fly balls to my two sons at the local ball fields.

But one of my favorite weekend activities — I kid you not — is taking out the garbage. Let me explain.

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Allan Ripp

Allan Ripp is a former journalist who now runs a press relations firm in New York. He has contributed essays and personal commentary to The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Forbes, Time, AdWeek, the New York Observer, and the Tribune News Service.