Let's Take a Day Trip

NEW YORK CITY — Sometimes a day trip is all you need to recharge, especially with everything going on in the world. Recently, I discovered something new about myself: I love going to baseball games.

The atmosphere is perfect—the smell of nachos and cheeseburgers, the sweet temptation of funnel cakes, and the relaxed vibe that comes with sitting in the stands. Whether in the Midwest or the East Coast, the weather this time of year is usually ideal—not too hot, not too cold—just right.

Originally, my plans were simple. I was flying into New York City to do some shopping at Macy’s on 34th and 7th, the flagship store I’ve always loved. However, at the last minute, I decided to treat myself to a different kind of New York experience: I found a $44 ticket on Seatgeek to see the Mets play against the Texas Rangers at Citi Field.

The trip started early. I was supposed to leave Chicago at 8 a.m. and land in New York around 11, giving me five hours to explore before the 4:10 first pitch. Unfortunately, a cluster of storms over Chicago delayed my flight by two hours. By the time I finally landed at LaGuardia, I wasn’t sure how much I could squeeze in.

I hopped on the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus, which dropped me at the Jackson Heights subway station.The city was alive and buzzing—crowded streets, honking horns, and a steady stream of people moving in every direction. At 74 degrees, it was warm but comfortable, and I felt surprisingly safe weaving through the flow of New Yorkers.

From Jackson Heights, I took the F train to Herald Square, where Macy’s proudly stands in Midtown. Inside, I found a Lids store and grabbed a Mets shirt to wear to the game—a perfect little souvenir for the day. A few blocks down 34th Street, I spotted Chick-Fil-A. It wasn’t crowded, and since I was short on time, I ducked in for a quick bite before heading back to the subway for Queens.

By the time I arrived at Citi Field, my excitement had grown. My seat was in Section 141, near the Shea Bridge, surrounded by some of the ballpark’s best food options. The crowd around me was electric—people sang along to each player’s walk-up song, broke into chants whenever an opposing batter struck out, and danced to the music pulsing through the stadium speakers. Every time the Mets scored, strangers instantly became friends, high-fiving and celebrating together.

Sitting there, watching players like Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, and Francisco Lindor under the soft afternoon sun, I realized I was experiencing more than just a ballgame. The sun was warm but not overwhelming, and a cool breeze drifting through the ballpark made it feel almost meditative. In that moment—surrounded by cheers, laughter, and the rhythm of baseball—I reflected on how important it is to pause and take care of yourself.

The Mets were leading 1-0 while I was there, and even though I couldn’t stay for the entire game, the experience itself was enough. On the flight back to Chicago, I was tired but relaxed, carrying with me the calm satisfaction that comes from doing something purely for yourself.

Self-care doesn’t always mean big, elaborate vacations or spa days. Sometimes, it’s as simple as hopping on a plane, walking the busy streets of New York, and catching a ballgame with a crowd of strangers who, for a few hours, feel like family. It’s something I hope to do again in the months ahead—little adventures that remind me to breathe, enjoy life, and recharge.