Spring has sprung!

Get outside and enjoy the invigorating effects Mother Nature has to offer.

In my area Spring has officially arrived, where my daughter lives it is now Fall. In the fall I will post about the joys of the Fall season, but I love spring because it means nicer weather and more daylight hours. As the temperatures rise, many of us are eager to get outdoors. Whether you plan to work in the garden, go walking in your neighbourhood, local park, or trails, getting out helps people of all ages. Those who get out report experiencing relaxing or invigorating effects after enjoying the great outdoors. Here are a few ways to make the most of the Spring weather and reap the health benefits too.

Cultivate health and well-being by gardening.

As the ground thaws and the temperatures rise, gardeners around the country are starting to get busy. They are designing their garden, thinking about timelines to execute their plans, and starting to prepare their seeds indoors. Gardening is not a simple hobby; it is an activity that can have positive impacts on your health and well-being. If you don’t have a garden of your own, many communities have a local garden that provides space for people to work together.

Make walking a regular part of your routine.

If gardening is not your thing, there are other ways to get outside, enjoy the weather, and improve your health and well-being. Did you know that older adults in Canada are more likely than any other age group to live a sedentary lifestyle? Walking has many positives, including improving heart health and physical function, increasing motivation to be more physically active, helping with stroke recovery, and reducing pain. While on your walk, remember to maintain 2 meters from people outside of your household.

Take a stroll through a tree-lined path or a forest.

If you are an avid walker and want to add something fresh to your regular routine, consider trying a new route, such as a safe and well-lit trail through a forested area. Trees are associated with several beneficial effects on both physical and mental health and provide an environment that allows for relaxation and stress reduction.

While we may be tempted to socialize when outdoors, we should be vigilant and maintain 2-meters from people outside of our household.