Spring is here. Sunshine and longer days are ahead, with the daffodils and crocuses blooming it inspires us all to get outside.
Spending time outdoors is important for optimal health. With the increase of technology and our societal reliance on these technologies it is paramount that we carve out time to be in nature.
Spending time in nature benefits our psyche in many ways. A simple walk on the beach or a stroll through a park leaves us feeling refreshed and happy. It is why when we vacation, we choose beautiful spots, seeking sun and that perfect view or when we are sick we recover faster because we had a view to the outdoors than those who fall ill and did not.
Leading technological companies are realizing just how important our connection to nature really is. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer their employees park-like and vacation-like settings to work in. Why? Because productivity improved and stress within the office decreased. They realized that nature is a significant factor in their employees’ mental health.
Limiting screen time has become something we now all talk about. Even our phones tell us how much time we have been on them. Research has shown too much screen time can negatively impact our health, from our eyesight to our mental well-being.
There is no doubt the technologies we enjoy make our life easier and have improved our ability to stay connected with one another. However, it is also important they we stay connected in other ways as well - our connection to the physical world in which we live in and our relationships.
I was sitting with my kids in our backyard, just the other day, and we decided to try and notice everything we could about what was going on around us. It was amazing to experience nature in our own backyard that way. We saw so much when we just sat still and silent and took notice.
My son said it’s like watching a nature show. Kind of funny when you think about the irony in that. We often feel like we need to go somewhere else to have a memorable experience, yet some of my favourite moments with my kids happen in our own backyard.
Getting outside doesn’t cost money other than a good pair of shoes. Walking is the most affordable way to exercise. Here, in Chemainus, we are fortunate to have some beautiful, and well cared-for trails that are accessible to everyone. Whether you are wheelchair bound or a toddler learning to walk you can enjoy these trails.
Walking is the best way to add exercise into your daily life. It is low impact on your joints, high impact on your cardiovascular health and gets you spending time outdoors which lifts our spirits and reminds us to be grateful for the world in which we live. I have often had a bad day made right by enjoying a walk around my neighbourhood. Strolling around your town is a lovely way to stay connected to it as well. Spending time outside with our friends and family deepens our connection with one another and with the natural world.
It can be challenging to fit everything in I want to accomplish in a day. We often feel like we need more time than we have. Lots of activities do not get done because we think there is no point in doing them unless we have an hour to give.
Getting outside is a good example of this. We think we need to walk an hour for it to be “worth it” but really a 20-minute walk is better than not walking outside at all. I am trying to make the time to experience nature more - sitting on a bench that has a great view enjoying a cup of coffee there instead of at my kitchen table and walking down to the beach at sunrise and sunset more often.
All of these little efforts add up to improve my mental well-being, my connection to the world around me and the relationships in my life. Now that spring has arrived and the days are getting longer and warmer we can all enjoy these little moments more often.
(Chemainus resident Nicole Cournoyer is a BCRPA certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and RYT 200 level Yoga Teacher).