Ready to get outside?
If you’re anything like me, you absolutely take full advantage of the time limit feature on your phone to keep your distance from social media and other apps, but when that “Time Limit Reached” alert comes up, it’s just far too easy to click “Remind me in 15 minutes”. Am I wrong?
It’s okay, though. There’s no need to shame ourselves. Because remember, during the start of COVID in 2020, technology was one of the only ways we could safely stay connected to our loved ones. It makes sense, then, that we have become increasingly reliant on technology and less connected to the outdoors.
As a psychology major, you know I had to consult the APA to get the tea on how time spent in nature impacts our wellbeing. Turns out we can boost our mood just by walking in nature, even if you’re in an urban setting. I’m lookin’ at you, fellow downtown folks. Read on for my favorite spots in the city and elsewhere.
MY FAVORITE URBAN SPOT IN MPLS:
River Road on the downtown side of the Mississippi River.
Grab your water bottle, hammock and a snack and try out this path:
Park at River Road Parking lot at the corner of the Plymouth Ave Bridge and River Road. Walk all the way down the river towards the Stone Arch Bridge. Take a pause, of course, at the Grain Belt sign, because how could you not?
Continue walking until you reach the Stone Arch Bridge and take your time walking across, enjoy the sound of the water flowing at the dam on one side and turn around to soak in the awesome view of downtown behind you. Once you get to the other side of the river, turn left and follow the river back towards Boom Island. If you need a bite, stop at Aster Cafe on SE Main St. in Northeast.
Follow the trail towards Boom Island and toss up your hammock in the park facing the river. Enjoy the sunshine and the breeze. Eventually make your way back to the Plymouth Ave bridge and cross it, turning right at the end to make a stop at Pryes Brewery for a Royal Raspberry Sour before making your way back to the parking lot.
I do this walk at least once a week in the Spring and Summertime. Added bonus? Lots of cute dogs along the way :)
FAVORITES WHEN I NEED TO GET OUT THE CITY:
Banning State Park (1.5 hours north)
Jay Cooke State Park (2 hours north)
Brighton Beach Duluth (2.5 hours north)*
Palisade Head (3.5 hours north, well worth it, pictured here)*
Have any favorites I didn’t mention? Please comment them below! I’m always looking for new places to explore.
So. To bring everything full circle. Spending time in natural environments is *extremely* good for us - research has shown that individuals exposed to nature have improved working memory, cognitive flexibility and attentional control. It has also been associated to lower stress levels - HELLO! BIG green flag. See what I did there? But seriously, you’ve heard me talk about stress before. This is another fairly accessible tool to reduce your stress and boost overall wellbeing.
According to the APA, feeling connected to nature can produce similar benefits to wellbeing, regardless of how much time one spends outdoors. So. Even if you just have a few minutes. Go stick your face in the sun, your hands in the dirt and your feet in the water.
In healing always,
Dr. Z
