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.
Who needs a gym membership when you have the outdoors?
Outdoor exercise has a stronger effect on blood pressure and mood than indoor exercise. Stress is relieved within minutes of exposure to nature as measured by muscle tension, blood pressure, and brain activity.
To put it simply, time spent outside is good for you! Let’s take a look at a few fun outdoor activities that can improve your health.
Continue reading Five outdoor activities to improve your health
Many of us now live in fast-paced urban landscapes or busy suburban neighborhoods, spending most of our time in front of our computers, tvs, and phones.
While it’s easy to be disconnected from nature, studies show that staying connected to nature is critical for both our health and happiness. From fighting depression to stress, and even fatigue, there are so many benefits to getting outside.
Remember that nature isn’t always a destination; it can also be found in your own backyard!
Continue reading How to connect with nature in your everyday life
We know how much nature matters – and we know you do too! That’s why Ontario Parks asked you for your opinion last year during our Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) consultation.
And you responded!
We received more than 2,500 responses from researchers, members of the healthcare sector, environmental groups, Indigenous organizations, educators, and members of the public!
Nature? We’re here for it and so are our friends at Coleman Canada. Read on to find out how they’re helping us encourage Ontarians to spend more time outside!
It’s easy to feel a bit low at this time of year. It seems to get dark outside immediately after lunch, the sun is elusive, and our bodies are still adapting to cooler temperatures.
There’s a part of our brain that really wants to hibernate.
But we’re going to fight that urge, and you should too! Here’s why: our brains need nature! Continue reading This is your brain on nature!
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:
Continue reading Meeting the 30×30 Challenge during challenging times
In today’s post, Discovery Lead Tim Tully asks us a very important question.
What do parks mean to you?
Chances are this is a question that has recently taken on more importance.
Today’s post comes from Rachel Gagnon, Ontario Parks’ Healthy Parks Healthy People Coordinator.
Did you know that nature can touch all our senses: sound, smell, sight, touch, and taste?
During these times when we can’t visit our favourite natural spaces, bringing pieces of nature home can help us experience some of its benefits.
So few things in the world stimulate our minds and bodies like nature does. It can soothe us, alleviate our stress, and put us in a better mood.
Here are some ways you can incorporate nature into your daily life through connecting to your five senses:
Continue reading How to use your senses to experience nature at home
Today’s post comes from Sarah McMichael, Ontario Parks’ Healthy Parks Healthy People Coordinator.
Backcountry camping is known for being a way to experience beautiful, serene landscapes. But a backcountry trip also provides an opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally.
The combination of paddling, portaging, and hiking through the backcountry is a great all-over workout. Plus, you will experience a ton of health benefits simply by being outdoors.
Hit the backcountry for a killer total-body workout this summer. Let’s do this!
Today’s blog post comes from Catherine Reining, a graduate in the Master of Environment Studies program at Wilfrid Laurier University.
We know spending time in nature offers a ton of health benefits like reduced stress, better sleep, and lower blood pressure.
But what is the role of parks and protected areas in human health?
Continue reading The restorative health benefits of protected areas
