Canadian doctors have begun to prescribe national park passes to adults to improve their mental well being. There is growing evidence that spending time outdoors helps improve mood, alleviates stress, helps with attention, lower blood pressure, improve physical health, and promotes a better night’s sleep. People are also more likely to have an increase in physical activity outdoors which also provides an extra boost of serotonin to the brain.

Saskatchewan winters are famous for being grueling and long. Not everyone is able to embrace winter outdoor activities resulting in more time spent indoors and less exposure to natural sunlight. Lower levels of serotonin can be linked to anxiety and depression. Not having exposure to enough sunlight can also have a negative effect on sleep patterns.

Ideas for getting outdoors:

Take a break

• Find a space outside at home, on a park bench, or somewhere outside of your workplace to enjoy a coffee or work break.

A mindful walk

• Instead of thinking about your to do list or replaying your day in your head, take time to notice your surroundings. Pay attention to how the breeze feels, what the trees look like, notice the clouds and the sunshine, the sights and sounds of birds or other animals.

Connect and move

• Meet a friend or family member for a walk. You can hit a trifecta here by spending with someone you care about, getting some movement, and spending time outdoors.

Trying Gardening

• Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables.

Bring the kids!

• Take your kids on a scavenger hunt, bird watching, or bug hunting.

Sunrise, Sunsets, and Sun Dogs

• Take your pick depending on the time of day and weather. Saskatchewan has stunning views for all.

Written by Jenny Lyons-Mouyios, Clinical Counsellor with Wildflowers

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-parks-canada-prescription-1.6344141

https://cmha.ca/mental-health-and-the-great-outdoors/