https://www.facebook.com/104011124423170/

RecRegion

05/13/2020

Stressed 😟 about how to keep life in Chicago moving on in the midst of a pandemic? Me too. It had been 2 weeks since my last outdoor adventure while I focused on work behind the scenes, and the exploding panic attack 😨😤🤯🥴 from basic life management was the final straw. I had to get out and absorb some peace in nature 🌻 or I'd fully lose my mind!

Isolating from COVID-19 while trapped inside small apartments 🌆 with no private yards, no trees, no nature views, no lakeside or riverside parks or trails 🚫 to exercise on… the concrete jungle in Chicago has felt confining and suffocating and stressful these past couple months. 🏙🏙🏙 "City dwellers have a 20 percent higher risk of anxiety disorders and a 40 percent higher risk of mood disorders as compared to people in rural areas" say experts at Stanford University, and that's during "normal" world conditions!

Health scientists have been analyzing a growing body of research on the positive mental effects of spending time in nature (ecotherapy). 🌳😊🌳😊 Studies are repeatedly showing that spending time in natural outdoor settings can boost our moods and break that relentless, negative thought loop that takes over our minds when we're stressed, anxious and depressed. 🔁 Now couldn't we all use a break from that! 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

You probably don't need Stanford or Harvard experts to prove that spending time in nature helps us feel better 🤔 but check out the article links below for some compelling encouragement to play outside.

So anyway, I've had my eye on these Poplar Creek trails for a while, 😍 waiting for the right time to enjoy. Somehow, I just knew they'd be special and boy was I right! A combination of vitamin D soaked green grass trails, 🌞 hushed rolling woodlands 🌳🌲 and violet wildflowers 🌷 under budding spring blossomed trees… after 9 miles of pure bliss, my heart and mind were healed. 🦋

Sources:
https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature

04/07/2020

It's happening! 🌷 Spring is here, buds are popping and we are finally feeling some sun. 🌞 It can be so hard to stay at home on days like these but it's imperative to follow safety guidelines. ✨Staying home today saves lives.✨

If you are relying on your local public parks and trails for exercise and sanity, here are some tips to keep in mind:

🏠 Stay close to home. We all know we will recover faster by reducing the spread of COVID-19.

🌱 Seek out lesser known trails that are typically light traffic.

🍃 Consider choosing a loop trail vs. out and back to minimize chances of crossing paths with others.

🌦 Plan to visit during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings. Rainy days can be excellent times to play in the elements without crowds.

🌳 Check the respective park service website to make sure the trail or park is open or accessible.
🚫 All facilities are closed and many popular trails and parks have blocked access.
🚫 Some Chicagoland counties have closed all parking access to parks & trails to prevent drivers from traveling far from home.

🍀 Have several back-up plans. If you arrive at a trail and the parking lot is crowded or you see a lot of people, leave. This is not the trail for you, try another option.

🌬 Respect everyone's desire to stay healthy and find peace & solace while on trails. Maintain substantial distance and enjoy your own space of fresh air.

Rec Region pledges to support Chicago residents through this pandemic with the wellness properties of nature and time outdoors. However during this critical time, please follow official health guidance and refrain from leaving home to the best of your ability. Stay well. 💚💛💙