Do you ever find yourself feeling calmer, more relaxed, or more focused after spending time in nature? That’s because time outside has studied and proven benefits for your mental health.
Mental illness affects one in five Canadians in any given year. Let’s talk about what some Vitamin N (nature) can do for your mental health…
You’re all packed up and ready for another weekend outdoors.
You’ve got your sleeping bags, full cooler, sunscreen, and swimsuit.
Maybe you’ll fill your trailer’s water tank up once you arrive, a water container or two for the campsite, then head to the beach to cool off.
But have you ever stopped to think about how we keep the water safe for you to drink, take a warm shower in, or cool off in at the beach?
Environmental public health professionals do proactive, science-based work behind the scenes to ensure your environment is safe, so you don’t have to worry and can enjoy the moments that really matter.
Continue reading How environmental health professionals keep our water safe
Today’s blog comes from Senior Marketing Specialist Sarah McMichael.
My most memorable camping memory didn’t come from a crackling campfire, a panoramic lookout, or a stunning sandy beach.
It happened at 3:00 am at Lake Superior Provincial Park.
As I stumbled out of my tent for a late-night bathroom break, I noticed something different about the sky above me. There were stars.
A LOT of stars.
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.
Continue reading How the 30×30 Challenge helped me find calmness and connection
Let’s take a walk in the woods.
With no specific destination in mind, we will wander, observe and immerse ourselves in nature. Allow our senses to guide us.
When was the last time you walked into the woods with no plans? No final destination? Without a species to ID, hill to climb, or lookout to conquer?
This is exactly the experience offered by a forest bathing session.
Continue reading Healing in the forest: a guide to forest bathing
Today’s blog post comes from Sara Moore, a Discovery student at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.
Have you ever wondered what makes a sunset so special?
What gives them their beautiful colours?
Today’s post comes from Heather Greenwood Davis, a travel writer and new camper.
We forgot the kettle. For real campers, it wouldn’t be a big deal. Real campers would know how to build a fire; real campers would’ve thought to bring a pot.
But I’m not a real camper and I am a coffee lover, so this could’ve been a problem.
Luckily, I know enough about my strengths and weaknesses to have arranged to spend this camping experience in one of the roofed accommodations at Bonnechere Provincial Park. The perfect step between tent camping and a cottage stay, our log cabin offers the warmth and security of a roof and four walls, but only a few of the modern conveniences we’re used to.
Getting outdoors is important for people of all ages and walks of life.
Getting outside is a great way to relax and soak up the beauty of nature that surrounds us.
Best of all, there are real benefits to enjoying the outdoors, especially for seniors.
Studies are continuously reporting the benefits gained by seniors who spend time in nature.
These are some of the top reasons older adults should make time to get outside each day:
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!
We know that spending time in nature is good for us.
Sometimes, we just need a little push to get outside and feel the effects!
That’s why on July 15, we are offering a variety of activities in parks across the province in celebration of Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.
All parks that normally charge a day-use fee will be offering free entry so you can enjoy the benefits of being in nature.
