Have you ever noticed a change in your mood simply when you step outside and feel the sunshine on your skin, when you hear the sounds of the world moving and grooving around you, and when you interact truly and deeply with the wonderful environment within which you live your beautiful life? There are so many reasons for this, from the ways in which we utilize Vitamin D, to the effect of sunshine and exercise on our serotonin production. Studies have shown:
• Interactions with what is perceived to be a restorative environment have beneficial cognitive outcomes ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4204431/ )
• Participation in outdoor recreation had positive psychosocial effects on combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23707110 )
• Green outdoor settings appear to reduce ADHD symptoms in children of various ages and backgrounds ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448497/ )
• Those who walk (90 minutes) through a natural environment report lower levels of rumination (repetitive negative thinking) and showed reduced neural activity in an area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness ( http://www.pnas.org/content/112/28/8567.abstract )
And so, so much more. When you take the time to head outside and go for a walk or complete an activity, you are engaging both your mental and physical self.
Here are a few spots around the area to get outdoors:
Bob Hunter Memorial Park – 7277 14th Avenue, Markham
Rouge Park Welcome Areas – Meadowvale 1749 Meadowvale Road or North Welcome Area 10725 Reesor’s Road Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area – 3291 Stouffville Road – 9am – 6pm
