BY KATHRYN RUSCITTO, ADVISOR
It is easy to get stressed from a variety of things.
Sometimes all it takes to reset is by engaging the outdoors. In, “The Fundamentals of Environmental Neurosciences,” is a summary of current research that looks at the relationship between people and their environments. The premise is that urban design must take into account the importance of green space and its impact on the mind and body.
It doesn’t matter where I am when I share that I live part of the time in the Adirondacks, immediately people smile and often share a story of the Adirondacks from their childhood. Recently a customer service agent in another state started singing the jingle from the waterpark in Old Forge over the phone!
A drive to the Adirondacks can reduce anxiety, improve health, mental health, creativity and inspire new ideas.
I am hoping to plant some seeds for a day or an overnight in nature for you and your family.
Wherever you are in eastern or western, New York State, you are close to the most amazing natural resource, the Adirondack Park.
The drive to the Park pulls in views that are soothing and beautiful. A winter visit with a warm fireplace and a great dinner improves sleep and the ability to manage stress. A summer visit and kayak or swim in the many beautiful lakes and rivers, adds to reducing stress during busy office practice months. It might not be possible to take a long vacation, but planning some reset breaks adds to your health.
It requires focus on creating the time on your calendar and some research to decide where. When our daughter was young we called these exploration days, no work, just family time to do something new. Often we chose Adirondack locations such as Moss Lake, Cascade Mountain, Saranac Lake or our favorite, Hemlock Hall. No tv, electronics or cell service. Just peace and quiet.
It’s not just about hiking, although there are some of the best trails anyplace in the US. From Old Forge to Inlet to Long Lake to Saranac, Elizabethtown and Lake George. Unique villages, great small libraries and excellent restaurants. Fishing, biking,camping, or just communing with nature can lead to a healthier sense of well-being.
Here are resources to help your planning!
Resources:
The Adirondacks Drives: https://visitadirondacks.com what-todo/ scenic-drives-byways
Views: https://visitadirondacks.com/
Events:
Saranac Lake WInter Carnival
Old Forge Winter Carnival
Raquette Lake Winter CarnivalFrozen Fire
and Lights, Inlet
Wild Lights at the Wild Center
More at https://www.iloveny.com/search/?q=Adirondacks
Restaurants by region
https://www.adirondack.net/ estaurants/all/
Kathryn Ruscitto, Advisor, can be reached at linkedin.com/in/kathrynrusci to or at krusct@gmail.com
