World at Play Challenge Wrap Up The 515 people who participated in PATH’s World at Play Challenge during third quarter racked up more than a million steps — or 58,696 miles — as they virtually traveled to 15 world destinations. Seventy-seven percent of those folks met the goal of walking at least 7,000 steps per day for a challenge total of 147,000 steps each. Altogether, 48 of the 109 teams traveled to all 15 destinations, learning some interesting facts about each location they visited — as well as earning 1,000 PATH points. Challenge participants tracked 117,391,046 total steps, which averages out to 10,854 daily steps per person! The top three teams were: Cary Team, Cary Park District. PDLG Steppers, Park District of LaGrange. Round Lake Team, Round Lake Area Park District.

We feel better when we take time to relax and refresh ourselves. But sometimes finding the time to do that is difficult, so we let it slide.

Not only can stress contribute to a miserable life mentally and emotionally, over time it can lead to health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and anxiety. That’s why Mark Black, a resiliency, change and productivity expert says, “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.”

Relaxation is a great way to manage stress. Because while you can’t eliminate stress, you can learn to better manage it. Finding ways to unwind regularly and rejuvenate helps your body and mind to heal, recover and sustain a deep calm.

Nowadays, relaxation doesn’t often get the attention it deserves. And that’s why PATH has made it the focus of its fall Relax, Renew and Refresh Challenge that will run from Nov. 1 to 21. We’ll explore the value of providing your mind, body and soul with some meaningful, restorative downtime.

In this new step challenge, you and your team will “walk” your way through five stages, unlocking each one based on your team’s step progress:

Each stage includes information and tips for relaxing and recharging. Join the challenge, log your steps, learn how to Relax, Renew and Refresh, and earn PATH points along the way!

The step goal for this challenge is at least 7,000 steps per day for a challenge total of 147,000 steps per individual. If you meet that goal, you earn 1,000 PATH points.

As with other PATH challenges, you earn additional points by joining the challenge and/or starting a team, reaching each stage and/or making it through all five stages. The individuals and teams that log the most steps will earn additional points — 1,000 for first place, 750 for second and 500 for third. But you won’t have to track any of the relaxation activities you might choose to pursue!

Watch for details in your inbox Oct. 18, so you’ll be ready when challenge registration begins Tuesday, Oct. 25. So…take a deep breath and get ready to relax, renew and refresh!