5 ways to practice fall mindfulness

Can you believe we’re already well into fall?

If your day-to-day is anything like ours, your summer flew by, leaving you wondering where the time went. It’s amazing how quickly summer comes and goes, year after year.

But that’s nothing to worry about — fall at Ontario Parks is a favourite time of year for many, and for good reason!

So if you’re feeling stressed from fleeting summer, back-to-school routines, or the impending winter, this blog is sure to help you take a step back, relax, and enjoy the best time of year.

We’ve partnered with our friends at Subaru Canada to share 5 ways to practice fall mindfulness in parks:

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Take the 30×30 Challenge this August

Do you want to get a better night sleep? Be more creative? Have more focus and attention?

What about a higher level of job satisfaction, or a general feeling of being restored?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the 30×30 Challenge might be for you!

Studies show that time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier, and less stressed. As little as 30 minutes per day can lower your blood pressure, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and boost your mood!

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How the 30×30 Challenge helped me find calmness and connection

Ro Nwosu (WildRoga) is a yoga teacher, trainer, and fitness educator known for her infectious laugh and out-of-the-box thinking to get people moving.

August is when I usually arrange the last of my summer plans and start looking forward to fall.

This year I had a busy start to the summer, so I was craving a routine. Sometimes knowing where to start can be difficult, especially after moving to a new town and getting settled in.

Ontario Parks challenged me to make nature a habit this August by spending 30 minutes outside for 30 days for the Healthy Parks Healthy People 30×30 Challenge.

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The great outdoors are… great!

Today’s blog comes from Sarah Higginson, a market development specialist with Ontario Parks.

August is over and so is the Healthy Parks Healthy People 30×30 Challenge.

This was my first year taking on the challenge (not counting the year I did it for two days then got distracted) and it was a magical month-long adventure filled with scenery, sunshine, and even some self-awareness!

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Nature is calling – are you listening?

When’s the last time you really appreciated your surroundings?

This summer has flown by. It’s been difficult to make time to get outside and experience the rejuvenating effects of nature.

Luckily, Healthy Parks Healthy People’s 30×30 Challenge happens every August! It’s a month-long opportunity for you to get outside into nature for 30 minutes for 30 days in a row.

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Meeting the 30×30 Challenge during challenging times

ICYMI, August 1 kicked off Healthy Parks Healthy People’s 30×30 Challenge!

All you need to do is get outside for 30 minutes for 30 days to experience the many benefits nature provides!

There’s lots of research about how spending time outside is good for us. But how do we get outside safely this summer especially when we’re following public health guidelines and avoiding large gatherings or crowded areas?

Here are five tips on tackling the 30×30 Challenge while staying safe and healthy:

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30 ways to get outside this August 

30 minutes in nature for 30 days straight. Are you up for the 30×30 Challenge?

Ontario Parks is challenging you to spend the month of August out in nature. Being in nature has a wide range of benefits to our physical and mental health. Spending quality time in nature is an opportunity to connect with your loved ones and Ontario’s beautiful natural environment.

By accepting the 30×30 challenge, you are committing to a healthy lifestyle in the outdoors!
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The 30×30 Challenge is good for you

Today’s post comes from Sarah McMichael, Ontario Parks’ Healthy Parks Healthy People Coordinator.

We all know that fresh air is good for us, right?

Time in nature has been proven to lead to better sleep, improved productivity, lower stress, increased self-esteem, better mood, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and a lower risk of diabetes and heart attack. The research is clear: spending time in nature improves our physical, mental, and social well-being.

Imagine how much your health and happiness could improve if you spent quality time outdoors every day for a whole month. This is what the 30×30 Challenge is all about. Sounds like a great way to get healthy!

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My experience completing the 30×30 Challenge

This blog comes from Lily Carlson, a travel blogger and social media influencer at Lily’s Lens on Life

“Spending time in nature has a way of nurturing the soul”

– Katrina Mayer

Ever since I was a little girl, the great outdoors has been tied to so many incredible memories, including hiking with friends, swimming in the lake with my cousins, fishing with my grandparents. Heck, I even worked at summer camps for nine years throughout high school and university. So, naturally (pun intended), the 30×30 Challenge sounded right up my alley!

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The transformative power of nature at Killbear

This post comes from Kaitlyn-Lee Mun, one of our wonderful summer students at Killbear Provincial Park.

“I’m going to Killbear for the summer.”

“Cool…where’s that?”

This was the response I was usually met with when telling my family and friends where I was going for the summer.

Continue reading The transformative power of nature at Killbear