Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/2020

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four Anoka County residents has been told by a health care professional that they have anxiety (24%) or depression (23%). Females were twice as likely to have depression than males (anoka county source). The experience of nature is one antidote to stress, and the body's positive response is remarkably fast, occurring within minutes. Studies by environmental psychologists show that visual exposure to nature, in the form of trees, grass and flowers, can effectively reduce stress, particularly if initial stress levels are high (source). Staying physically active is another common way to cope with mental health issues. Parks and recreation services can be a powerful tool to help those suffering tackle some of the obstacles to cope. They provide safe and accepting atmospheres to spend time outside, be physically active, foster social interactions and introduce others to new skills. [By spending time in recreation, impact] Quality of life/self-esteem/growth/satisfaction It is becoming more common to identify with the activities we participate in, seeing ourselves as"hikers""swimmers"or"soccer players," rather than with the positions we hold at work. Parks and natural environments also have great spiritual meaning and represent a strong sense of place for many of us. They elicit fond memories of family outings, fun times, bonding with children and freedom, representing the less stressful side of our lives. Personal and Spiritual Growth Self-expression and identity affirmation is positively reinforced through participation in recreation activities. Recreation helps us explore our inner spirit and sense of self, creating new behaviors and a new identity.This is especially important as the effects of social media have shown trends of lower self esteem. It makes it easier for us to compare ourselves to others' online personas. Recreation activities can help subdue these negative effects as improvements are made on physical abilities and socialization. Recreation activity is important to personal life satisfaction and those who participate in recreation are notably happier. Those who recreate more often are likely to be completely satisfied with their choice of careers, friends, and their perceived success in life. The evidence strongly suggests that participation in outdoor recreation, particularly as a child, leads people to have more satisfying and fulfilling lives. Nine out of ten outdoor recreation participants express satisfaction with their personal health and fitness while the six out of ten who don't participate are unsatisfied with their personal health and fitness (ARC, 2000). Close to half of those who participate in recreation several times a week say they are "completely satisfied with the quality of their lives;' compared to just one quarter of nonparticipants (ARC, 2000). The enjoyable experiences we pursue directly affect our quality of life. (Source). Parks and recreation services not only promote time spent outside, but create an atmosphere to feel comfortable atmosphere to try things that may be daunting to try on our