By Janet Fowler
Summer is here! After the challenging year and a half we’ve been through, we can now enjoy doing physical activities outdoors in the nicer, warmer weather.
Both our physical and mental health will benefit when we choose to get active, so with the approval of our health care professionals, why not take advantage of what nature offers to us?
Some activities you might consider are walking, biking, swimming, gardening or jumping rope. There are many benefits to being in nature and getting outside. Walking can improve heart health, reduce symptoms of depression, decrease pain, and improve physical function. Sometimes it helps to share an activity with a friend, so “buddy up” for more fun. Although you may see advice about the recommended amount of daily exercise for fitness, any amount will be beneficial to you.
Activities that can take place in an area with trees offer additional benefits of relaxation and stress reduction. The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture coined the term “forest bathing” after doing research that showed being in nature reduces cortisol levels (stress hormones), blood pressure and heart rate, producing a relaxing effect.
Being immersed in nature engages all of our senses and helps to improve focus, problem solving and creativity. You can also improve your sleep by being out in the fresh air. Even short amounts of time may improve sleep cycles.
There are a few things to keep in mind as we embrace the outdoors.
Remember to be sun smart. Limit the time you spend in direct sun or consider avoiding the time between 11am and 3pm, when the UV index tends to be higher. Cover up with a hat, light clothing and sun glasses, and apply a recommended sunscreen if being exposed to the sun.
Certain medications don’t mix well with extended sun exposure, and the light and heat from the sun can cause negative reactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about additional precautions to consider if you are taking medications that have a sun sensitivity warning.
Another key tip is to drink water before, during and after physical activity, even if you don’t feel thirsty. It is easy to become overheated when the sun is beating down on us, so bring a bottle of water with you.
Next time you are outside, notice your surroundings and pay attention to how you feel.
We each need to find out what is right for us, as we enjoy the outdoors. Have fun and stay well.
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Janet Fowler is a retired nursing director with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health and an Open Mind committee member. The Open Mind column is sponsored by community partners who are committed to raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma and providing information about resources that can help. For local mental health resources/information, visit www.mdsgg.ca or call 1-844-HERE247.
