As the days get shorter and the colder weather arrives, it’s time to talk self-care. Bubble baths and meditation are great options, but have you considered adding nature to your self-care toolkit?
October is the perfect time to think of ways we can take care of ourselves and our families.
We’ve partnered with our friends at Subaru Canada to give you some tips and tricks for prioritizing time outside.
Nature is good for your body and brain
Research shows that spending just 20 minutes a day in nature can make a big difference to our health and well-being.
Some of the mental health benefits of spending regular time in nature include:
- lowered anxiety
- decreased stress
- improved focus
- better sleep
- improved mood
Sounds good right? So how can we prioritize spending time in nature when life gets busy?
Top tips for your toolkit
The World Health Organization (WHO) has great tips for ways we can look after our own mental health, and help others who may need extra support and care.
Some guidance includes:
Have a routine and make time for things you enjoy
Building nature in to your routine and blocking off time to get outside is a great first step!
Add a “nature appointment” to your daily or weekly calendar. It can be active (like a walk with a friend) or relaxing (like making time to sit outside where you can observe the sights and sounds of nature and decompress).
Exercise regularly
Fall is a great time to exercise outdoors. The air is crisp and cool, and it’s fun to watch the change in seasons.
Plan a weekend hike or bike ride, pick up the pace on your dog walk, and explore nature where you can – whether it’s an urban green space, a conservation area, or one of our beautiful provincial parks.
Be aware of screen time
Most of us spend more than 90% of each day inside – and a lot of that is on screens. Some of it can’t be helped when working or learning from home. But screentime self-awareness is critical.
Taking regular breaks is important and can be even more beneficial if you can take a short break in nature.
If you can’t get outside, that’s okay. Research shows that even listening to the sounds of nature can relax and restore us. So cue up a playlist that features birdsong, a breeze in the trees, or the sounds of rushing water. Close your eyes and chill out!
Mental health is good for society too
We are increasingly aware of the financial and social costs of poor mental health. For example, the global economy loses about 1.4 trillion dollars per year in productivity due to depression and anxiety.
When we prioritize healthy people, we build healthier worlds.
It’s time to get outside!
Ontario Parks thanks corporate partners like Subaru Canada for their support.
