“The Earth is what we all have in common.” -Wendell Berry

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

As we will be celebrating Earth Day this month on Thursday, April 22nd, this is a wonderful time to pursue a deeper connection with our environment. Do you ever find yourself feeling calmer and more relaxed after spending time outside? It is no secret that there is a correlation between time spent in nature and a reduction of negative emotions.

Our environment provides us with a surplus of other brain benefits as well. Contact with nature increases our energy and improves our ability to focus. Spending more time outside also encourages creative thinking and problem solving.

A simple activity in the outdoors can do wonders for relieving anxiety, stress, and depression. What we see, hear, and experience in nature can improve our mood in a moment. Studies show that green spaces boost endorphin levels and dopamine production, which promotes happiness.

People are more caring and positive when they are exposed to and around various forms of nature. Appreciating nature’s beauty brings us an awareness of life outside of our own, a perspective that requires patience and empathy for ourselves and for others.

Let us all find inspiration this month to spend more time outside taking care of the Earth, ourselves, and each other!

What do you love the most about our planet Earth?

Luke: I love being outside in the sun, the sun is nice.

Yulissa: I love being at the beach.

Gillian: What I love most about Earth is the wildlife because I love animals.

Alex: I love the trees and grass.

Charlie: I love that people have places to live and that there is a lot of fresh water. I also like the nature on earth.

Quinn: I love that there are a lot of living things on planet Earth.

Max: I love that the temperature on earth is not too hot or cold like other planets and also that there are living things on this earth.

Charles: The weather.

Sean: I love the light blue oceans with reefs. I also like Islands because there are not as many people and you can usually do more cool activity on the island.

John: Animals.

How does spending time outside in nature make you feel?

Luke: Spending time outside makes me happy!

Yulissa: It makes me feel happy to be outside walking my dog.

Gillian: Spending time in nature makes me feel calm and happy because I enjoy seeing animals.

Alex: Spending time in nature makes me feel happy and free.

Charlie: It makes me feel happy and calm because when I am out in nature I feel relaxed.

Quinn: Spending time outside in nature makes me feel calm.

Max: It makes me feel proud to look at the trees and the grass and to see how the world works. That is pretty cool.

Charles: Healthier.

Sean: I love it. When I go down under water where there are not as many people touching things and changing the environment down there as much. Like buildings.

John: Whenever I’m around animals, I feel a sense of joy.

What can you do to be more kind to the Earth?

Luke: I can do volunteer work and pick up litter.

Yulissa: I can recycle.

Gillian: I can do my part to keep it clean and if there is garbage, pick it up.

Alex: I can clean and pick up trash and papers.

Charlie: I can pick up trash and recycle much better and that can be more effective for the Earth.

Quinn: I can help protect the environment to be more kind to the Earth.

Max: I can put more garbage in the garbage bag not recycling.

Charles: Recycle more probably.

Sean: You can pick up trash when you see it. You can start a group that goes to different places every month to do a clean up. You can also recycle but make sure the recycling centers actually recycle.

John: Take local wildlife and nature into account when building. Gardens on the roof. If everybody grew a little garden, that would make a big difference. Don’t cut down trees. If you do, plant more.

*Please continue to watch for emails from the district with any potential updates or further information.

If you have questions about testing or our health and safety protocols, please visit The Map or contact Mr. Lane Linder (llinder@lfschools.net) who leads risk mitigation for District 115.

Taco Pizza

Alissa's class chose to make this quick and easy recipe that combines the deliciousness of pizza and tacos into one amazing meal!

• Take a walk in nature. Research has shown that walking in nature may lead to less repetitive negative thoughts. Many of our Transition students have had experience volunteering at Lake Forest Open Lands and could serve as ‘tour guides’ for a family nature walk.

• Go for a bike ride. In addition to benefits for the heart and muscles, cycling (or any other moderate to vigorous cardiovascular activity) triggers the release of endorphins - the feel good chemicals that help to combat stress and anxiety.

• Walk Fido in the morning. The benefit of hanging out with our pets has been well-established. However, there’s an added benefit of going out with them first thing in the morning before school or work. Getting 15 minutes of natural light (outdoors not through a window) on receptors in our eyes helps to set Circadian rhythms so that we get tired at the right time and sleep better. Have a pet that isn’t a walker? Hanging out cuddling outside will do the same thing. (Note that you will likely need to try this for about a week to see the sleep benefit.)

• Plant a garden. Gardening can help us feel a sense of connection to our world and to the earth. It also helps with practicing acceptance and moving beyond perfectionism. While we can work to prepare the best possible environment for our plants, there are factors in nature outside of our control. Having this continual reminder in a ‘safe space’ like a garden can be helpful in learning to ‘let go’ and also to view the unexpected as a learning opportunity rather than a failure.

• Try ‘forest bathing’ (shinrin-yoku). In Japanese, shinrin means ‘forest’ and yoku means ‘bath’ or ‘immersing oneself in the forest and soaking in the atmosphere through the senses’. In addition to the benefits of mindfully engaging with the environment, breathing the phytoncides produced by trees and other plants seems to have additional benefits. Specifically research indicates that phytoncide exposure boosts the immune system while decreasing anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue. Here’s how to give it a try:

  • Find a natural outdoor setting with trees that is conducive to feeling comfortable and relaxed. Some possible things to look for include a quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, mild weather, fresh air, and good natural smells from the surrounding plants and trees.

  • Minimize distractions in order to fully immerse yourself in the natural environment. Turn off any electronic devices and put them away in a pocket or pack.

  • Focus on engaging your senses. Listen to the sounds around you, look at the scenery, take slow deep breaths and smell the fragrance of the forest air. You may even choose to touch trees, plants, leaves or soil.

  • Take it slow. Walking should be done at a slow, almost meditative pace. You can also just sit or stand still in order to more fully engage your senses.

Luke - Eggspresso

Luke has been able to continue his vocational experience at Eggspresso where he is doing egg-cellent work!

He has many important responsibilities which include cleaning menus, folding take-out bags, and stacking the to-go containers. Luke also keeps the ketchup and syrup bottles filled as well as the salt and pepper shakers. Additionally, Luke does a great job stamping the bags and coffee cup sleeves with the Eggspresso logo. He told us that his favorite part of working at Eggspresso is rolling silverware and getting to see all of the people there. He also enjoys working with his friend from LFHS, Nicollette.

Way to go, Luke!