The weather is getting warmer and the days are feeling longer thanks to more sunlight. After what may have felt like a long winter, there is no better time to enjoy the outdoors than now. There are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors through activities that also improve your health and well-being.
Gardening
Whether you are an avid gardener, have recently taken up gardening, or are thinking about giving it a try, there are many benefits to gardening that you may have not considered. You may have heard people mentioning the therapeutic benefits of gardening, but there are many other positive effects on your health and well-being including improved flexibility, coordination and strength, physiological and psychological relaxation, improved self-esteem, and more.
Walking – Nordic walking and walking groups
If gardening is not your thing, there are other ways to get outside, enjoy the weather, and improve your health and well-being. Did you know that older adults in Canada are more likely than any other age group to live a sedentary lifestyle? Walking has many positives, including improving heart health, providing great opportunities to socialize and increase motivation, helping with stroke recovery, reducing pain, and improving physical function. Consider trying Nordic walking for the added strength building benefits, or joining a walking group to increase motivation and socialize with others.
Curious how your walking speed affects your health? See how your walking speed compares to people you age and what you can do to improve your walking speed.
Whether it be gardening, walking, running, or other outdoor activities, be sure to be ‘sun smart’ by covering up and using a good quality sunblock when you’re outside.
Enjoy the great outdoors!
