Spending the day surrounded by nature is an effective way to unwind and
reestablish a connection with your inner self. Fortunately, there’s a lot of
ways to enjoy the outdoors right here in Philadelphia!
Did you know that Fairmount Park is the largest landscaped urban park in the
world? Its system of 63 parks occupies nearly 9,600 acres.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
oversees the management of all city parks and offers an impressive array of
activities for visitors to enjoy.
The Power of Parks
Being in nature, among trees, woods, and rivers, has powerful effects on our
well-being. Parks are places of serenity that lift our spirits, inspire
creativity, and provide quiet spaces for reflection.
In addition to the parks, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation manages more
than 150 recreational centers where people of all ages and abilities can
connect while participating in healthy indoor and outdoor activities.
“Whether you’re five years old or 65 years old, that shared sense of
community is valuable,” says Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “Parks &
Rec is among the city’s most valued services because it connects us to green
space, to coaches and mentors, and to each other with activities that
promote both our physical and mental health.”
Good for Your Body and Your Mind
Being outdoors — whether playing sports, exploring trails, or enjoying a
picnic — is a great way to support mental health and wellness. And, in most
cases, it’s no- or low-cost.
“The physiological response to being outside in nature is real, and it’s
measurable,” says Michelle Kondo, a research social scientist with the
USDA Forest Service.
Studies show that being in nature reduces stress, cortisol levels, muscle
tension, and heart rate – all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular
disease. Being in nature
is also restorative. It can help us unwind, relax, and refocus.
Build Your Social Network Outdoors, Not Online
Sometimes, being outside can lead to unexpected connections.
Teenagers, for example, are often a hard-to-reach group that faces a lot of mental
health challenges. But Ott Lovell said that connecting with teens can be as
simple as walking in the park. “Some rec centers host teen walking clubs
where participants share things with group leaders that they might not have
said face-to-face or indoors. When they were walking along the trail, teens
were more willing to engage in real conversations about important issues,”
Ott Lovell said.
Something for Everyone
Whether you’re into biking, hiking, or learning about local plants and
trees, there are hundreds of healthy
activities
sponsored by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation that can boost your mood.
Other offerings include
swimming sites
for Philadelphians with physical disabilities, a wide variety of indoor and
outdoor
activities for seniors
(including the popular Philadelphia Senior Games), and a
week-long summer camp
in the Pocono Mountains for city youth.
Sheep Shearing Day at Fox Chase Farm? Coffee with the Birds at Wissahickon
Environmental Education Center? A summer job as a lifeguard? Volunteering at
a
community garden
? Sign us up!
For more information about mental health, self-care strategies, and where to
find help, visit
ibx.com/knowyourmind.
This content was originally published on IBX
Insights.
About IBX Insights Team
The IBX Insights Team is here to provide tips on using your health insurance
and living a healthy life.