Published December 23, 2020
Tackle your New Year’s resolutions in your MetroParks
Heads up! This article was published 3 years ago.
It’s time to leave behind 2020 and start the New Year off with a clean slate that supports your wellbeing. For many New Year’s resolution adopters, this means focusing on health, diet and exercise. Others may find a new hobby, taking time to relax and other self-care activities fulfilling.
Look no further than your MetroParks’ natural spaces, trails and resources as tools to help you achieve your goals and maintain a healthy, active and enriched lifestyle.
FOCUSED ON PHYSICAL HEALTH AND DIET?
According to Statista, living a healthy, active lifestyle – which includes diet and exercise – topped the list of New Year’s resolutions among Americans in 2020.
As such, many can expect fitness facilities to flood with new and returning gymgoers ready to work on their physical health this January. In fact, Newsweek reports that 12.1% of U.S. gym memberships are sold in the New Year.
Those who are hesitant to head to the gym or simply don’t know where to start their fitness journey should consider opting outside for all-levels, cost effective, versatile work outs.
All-levels natural surface trails: Your MetroParks are home to more than 75 miles of natural surface trails. Most trails are loops, varying in terrain and length. Use MetroParks’ mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial, or visit metroparks.org to find a variety of trails to explore at your own pace.
Choose your adventure cycling: The Dayton region is home to 340 miles of paved trails, the nation’s largest paved trail network. You can hop on your bike and start with just a few miles and then build up to adventures that take you across the Miami Valley.
Couch to 5K: If you’re relatively inactive and want to build your endurance, MetroParks’ trails are a great place to start! Starting small with a short walk, hike or jog and building your stamina is easy in MetroParks, as its locations offer many trails of varying length. Trail running is a popular activity that can help you train for a marathon or simply get you into better shape.
Stay Heart Healthy: Just 30 to 40 minutes of exercise a few times a week will improve your heart heath, according to the American Heart Association. A great place to start a wellness journey is by walking MetroParks’ new Heart Healthy Trails on the Wolf Creek Trail and in Island and Germantown MetroParks.
Eat fresh and local: Part of living a healthy, active lifestyle is fueling your body with nutrient-dense food. Adding more fresh fruits and veggies to your diet can provide you with the essential vitamins your body needs to focus, move your body, sleep well and more.
Sourcing your produce from local growers is often healthier and better for the environment. Vendors at the 2nd Street Market offer seasonal, locally grown produce, in addition to fresh flowers, herbs and more. While the Market is currently closed, you can still support local vendors with online sales.
Plan to garden: Nothing gets more local than the produce you grow yourself. This winter, make a plan to garden in your back yard come spring. If you don’t have enough green space, MetroParks offers community gardening plots at Wegerzyn Gardens and Possum Creek MetroParks.
Need some gardening inspiration in the meantime? Head to the MetroParks Earth to Table Facebook page.
Tips to stick to it: Keeping to your resolutions is always easier when you have a buddy to hold you accountable. Share your goals with your friends or family and do a weekly check-in to make sure you’re staying on task. If you want to meet people who share a passion for outdoor adventure, visit outdoordayton.com for information on local outdoor recreation clubs.
It’s important to observe CDC guidelines — especially as it pertains to social distancing and wearing face coverings in MetroParks. Many clubs, such as Dayton Hikers, offer an online presence where you can virtually meet new buddies.
FOCUSED ON MENTAL HEALTH?
Statista reports Americans also place importance on improving their mental wellbeing – about 38% of 2020 resolution adopters. During these challenging times, those who are feeling stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness and other complication emotions are not alone. According to Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services, nearly a quarter of the U.S. population is experiencing symptoms of depression amid the pandemic.
Getting a daily dose of nature is an easy, free way to boost your mood and can be as simple as heading to your favorite park, greenspace — or even your back yard.
View an entire list of nature-based activities that can get help you destress, stay grounded and promote happiness.
NEED HELP RIGHT NOW? While nature is a valuable tool to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression, it is not a replacement for speaking with a mental health professional. If you need to talk, call:
- The Miami Valley Warmline: 937-528-7777
- The Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Five Rivers MetroParks visitors should always follow the CDC’s recommendations while spending time outdoors. For the most current information on MetroParks’ COVID-19 response and related closures, visit metroparks.org/covid-19 and follow Five Rivers MetroParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
