Less Stress, More Calm: An Experiential Evening in Chicago
Photo credit Megy Karydes
Mental Health Awareness Month will provide the backdrop for More Calm, Less Stress: An Experiential Evening With Author Megy Karydes, taking place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on May 5 at Fabrik Chicago. Hosted by Allison Yates, owner of Read & Run Tours, the evening invites attendees to explore simple, science-backed ways to reduce anxiety and cultivate calm in daily life while connecting with others in a supportive, creative setting.
Karydes will share insights from her book, 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress, inspired by her time in nature and her discovery that there are far more ways to quiet a racing mind than yoga and meditation—many of them simple, science-backed practices that can be easily woven into everyday routines. The interactive format gives participants the opportunity to experience several of these techniques firsthand.
Workshops include floral therapy with Vanessa Flowers, founder of Flower Girls Meet, where participants create a take-home mini-bouquet; bookbinding with multidisciplinary artist Regin Igloria of North Branch Projects, guiding attendees in crafting pamphlet-style books; and a walking and nature experience led by Anthony Scott of Chicago Gents Who Stroll alongside writer and nature educator Bonnie Tawse, highlighting the mental health benefits of movement, community and urban nature.
Tickets include three workshops, a copy of the book, a pamphlet-style book, light dinner, professional photos and a mini-bouquet, offering both a meaningful experience and tangible takeaways.
The event is produced by Read & Run Tours, founded by Yates in 2021. The company is known for its book-themed, guided running events set in the locations where stories unfold, transforming literature into immersive, movement-based experiences. In addition to its Chicago-based community and national Read & Run on the Road programs, the organization provides experiential event design, coaching and full-scale production services for authors, publishers, brands and nonprofits, with an emphasis on creativity, connection and audience engagement.
Location: Fabrik Chicago, 440 N. Wells, Chicago. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.com/e/more-calm-less-stress-an-experiential-evening-with-author-megy-karydes-tickets-1985328257261?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true. For more information about Read & Run Tours, visit ReadAndRunTours.com.
