Benefits of meditation

Life is filled with stressors but these past two years of a global pandemic have made things feel extra chaotic. While we know that we must tend to our mental health, it can be tough when we’re already feeling overwhelmed. The good news is calm can be restored with one mindful breath at a time.

Have you heard of Friluftsliv? It’s the Scandinavian term for “open-air living,” a way to enjoy the outdoors whatever the weather. While it doesn’t come naturally for everyone, outdoor activity is exactly what’s needed to stay healthy, balanced, and connected – especially right now. Fortunately, with mountains and ocean nearby, North Vancouverites have abundant options for outdoor recreation. Here are a few ideas to get you out the door. 

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional. This piece is based on my experience, but one I feel is hardly unique. I write in the hope of reaching others who might also be feeling blue and in need of some help to get back on our feet. If you are experiencing severe physical or mental health challenges, please contact your doctor or reach out to one of the resources listed at the end of this blog.

As we slowly re-emerge from the pandemic crisis, it is fitting to acknowledge and appreciate our public parks. As difficult as the last year has been, it would have been so much worse without our parks, trails and greenways. Our local parks are where we can exercise, relax, gather safely with others, connect to nature and heal. Celebrate our outdoor spaces this June and check out some excellent NVRC outdoor programs this summer!

While many of us consider the outdoors an open and welcoming space to recreate, for some it is not that easy. Certain members of our community, such as new immigrants, refugees, racialized and marginalized groups, often face cultural, financial and skills barriers to being able to enjoy the outdoors. Colour The Trails aims to change all that by removing barriers for Black, Indigenous, racialized and LGBTQ2+ members of our community, so that the great outdoors can feel safe and truly inclusive for everyone.

Urban farming on the North Shore has taken off in recent years. Much of the credit for this growing movement goes to The Edible Garden Project (EGP) based within North Shore Neighbourhood House (NSNH). The Project’s vision to “grow, teach, and share” has transformed yards, parks, boulevards, rooftops and schoolyards into edible landscapes that grow fresh produce accessible to everyone in the community. 

With the days lengthening and the birds chattering, spring has returned in earnest. It’s a great time to head out into the garden and also start some seeds indoors. No matter if you are a natural green thumb or would like to cultivate one, here are some ideas to get you growing!

Give yourself some credit, everyone, we made it through another tough Canadian winter - tough for more than a few reasons.

The calendar has officially flipped to February, which means it’s time to chat about the heart – and we don’t mean the chocolate kind. It’s Heart Month in Canada, the perfect opportunity to bring some attention and awareness to the importance of heart health and what you can do to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Far too many Canadians are feeling the impacts of not moving enough, with research showing higher rates of cardiovascular events and mortality among individuals with low levels of physical activity and fitness.

The New Year has begun and, after the holiday excesses, it’s a good time to return to a basic fitness routine. NVRC fitness centres are open for book-ahead sessions and personal trainers are ready to help you out. For those staying close to home right now, the following ParticipACTION circuit workout provides an excellent, quick (7 to 15 minutes) and effective workout without special equipment. It gives a boost to your metabolism, mental sharpness and heart and hormonal health!