BACK TO BASICS: THE LOST ART OF BEING OUTSIDE
Phone, keys, wallet.
That’s the mantra when leaving the house for millions of Americans
who are all connected to the ever-growing digital space.
According to Pew Research Center in 2019, 81% of Americans own
a smartphone. That means almost 300 million Americans have
access to the endless information that makes up the digital world.
We’re reaching unprecedented levels of communication and
social interaction across boundaries of time and location, spanning
generations.
For most, these modern-day essentials are critical for daily tasks –
keeping track of kids’ schedules, staying in touch with loved ones,
Googling a recipe for dinner, taking photos (hello portrait-mode!),
making grocery lists and even monitoring health. While helpful, it
can also be a recipe for real-world detachment.
If you’ve ever confused the names of your digital devices, it may be
time for a digital detox. Alexa? Siri? Google?
WE CHALLENGE YOU IN THE UPCOMING
MONTHS TO PUT AWAY THOSE HELPFUL
DIGITAL DEVICES AND HEAD OUTSIDE.
Grab a friend, bring the kids or take a breather by yourself. You may
be surprised to find out what fresh air can do to for your health—
mentally and physically. Studies have shown simply taking in nature
can help your body recover from and adapt better to stressors.
Within the boundaries of South Bend, we host over 50 parks and
serendipitous gems worth exploring. The parks system in the city
has recently been on the receiving end of a massive transformation.
Known as My SB Parks & Trails, there are now more quality parks to
visit than ever before. Armed with the initiative that every resident
can enjoy a quality park close to them, 18 neighborhood parks
received upgrades including new playground equipment and
bathroom renovations with more slated this year.
Each park offers a unique sense of discovery for children and
adults alike. So perhaps you’ll try something you’ve never done
before or make an unexpected memory cultivated in your own
neighborhood park. Whatever the case may be….
WILL YOU JOIN US?