Five ways to unplug from technology and be healthy
More than 80 percent of adults do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. While people are sheltering-in-place, Unplug Illinois offers creative ways to "unplug" and "plug into" play, adventure, creativity and more.
A program of the Illinois Park & Recreation Association, Unplug Illinois encourages people to 'plug into' all the recreational opportunities local park and recreation agencies offer; stay physically and mentally healthy/fit by "plugging into" nature and family - even while at or near home.
"Unplugging is an important strategy for physical and mental health, which is even more important during this COVID-19 pandemic," says Debbie Trueblood, executive director of Illinois Park and Recreation Association. "Physical health and mental health are linked, and Unplug Illinois can help you get creative ideas to find some stress relief to stay physically and mentally healthy."
Here are five ways to unplug and plug into activity, adventure, creativity, family and nature at home and at your local park and recreation agency:
• Plug into activity by going for a walk, jog or bike ride on a path in a local park. Getting 30 minutes of physical activity can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, and extend life expectancy, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Plug into adventure by creating a nature scavenger hunt of local species while on a walk. Learn what plants are safe to eat and forage while on a walk. Set a course to try trails in a neighboring community for a change of scenery. Park and recreation agencies are a great place to foster a sense of wonder and build an appreciation for nature.
• Plug into creativity by decorating face masks with a smile to spread joy, turn cardboard boxes into carnival games, or send a long-distance hug by tracing your arms and shoulders on paper. Taking part in creative activities can improve physical and mental well-being including improving chronic pain, frailty and dementia.
• Plug into family by writing letters to friends and family, create family artwork with silhouette drawings, or replace live sports with a game night tournament, bracket of winners and all. Silhouette drawing is easy and only requires paper, a lamp and a marker.
According to the Mayo Clinic, spending time with family, biological or surrogate, helps cope with traumas, encourages avoiding unhealthy habits and lifestyle and can lower health risks such as stress, high blood pressure and increased life expectancy.
• Plug into nature by stargazing for constellations, braiding a flower crown or bring the outdoors inside by constructing a terrarium. A jar, soil, rocks and a plant or moss are all that is needed to create the self-serving ecosystem.
Studies from the National Recreation and Park Association show that more time spent in parks and green spaces can help individuals fight against mental health issues like depression, anxiety and stress.
Learn more ways to unplug by visiting unplugillinois.org or by liking and following Unplug Illinois on Facebook and Instagram.
About Unplug Illinois
Unplug Illinois is a public service campaign designed to help park and recreation agencies communicate the value "unplugging" offers people and communities. Unplug Illinois encourages people to get out, unplug, play and engage with one another through their experiences at their local park and recreation agencies.
About the IPRA
Established in 1944, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association's mission is to provide and promote exceptional standards of education, networking, and resources for all professionals in the Illinois park, recreation, and conservation communities. For information about IPRA, its board and mission, visit www.ILipra.org.