Living in or near green spaces, spending time in both natural settings, and cultivated green space can improve mood and reduce the negative effects of stress. Other positive outcomes include reduction in aggressive feelings and enhancement of overall well-being. Studies have found that exposure to indoor plants improved feelings of well-being in participants. Plants are the lungs of the planet, drawing in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. One of the best things about caring for indoor plants is the beautiful exchange that happens because plants depend on our care, and in turn, they take care of us by improving the indoor air quality we breathe.

SRWC is a unique, welcoming, recovery-oriented community, accompanying individuals, families and friends affected by substance abuse in their journey towards recovery. We offer, group individual, couples counselling, and family counselling and education programs during the day and evening, co-ed and gender specific programs and support for individuals and their families. The Access, program for those awaiting a program of their choice, Exploring Options participating in a recovery plan, gender specific Continuing Recovery Program, or our co-ed evening Work Sober Program focusing on recovery maintenance. We support your recovery by helping you find the services you need.

Plants reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Plants have shown an increase in creativity, both in school and the workplace. They found plants brought a 37% reduction in tension and anxiety, a 58% reduction in depression and a 44% reduction in anger and hostility. Studies showed an improvement in preschooler’s memory, and cognitive function when participants walked in nature. Children with ADHD had better concentration after a walk in the park than after an urban neighborhood walk. Taking breaks to view or be in nature helps restore everyone’s attention.

The physical work of gardening, preparing soil, planting seeds, watering and weeding produces good chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. Garden work can also help reduce blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels. Low cortisol levels keep inflammation down and manages carbohydrates and blood sugars. Being physically active through gardening provides lasting wellness benefits. Physical exercise – digging, hoeing and watering uses balance, muscles, and strength. While all physical activity is beneficial, your emotions benefit too!

Living in or near green spaces, spending time in both natural settings, and cultivated green space can improve mood and reduce the negative effects of stress. Other positive outcomes include reduction in aggressive feelings and enhancement of overall well-being. Studies have found that exposure to indoor plants improved feelings of well-being in participants. Plants are the lungs of the planet, drawing in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. One of the best things about caring for indoor plants is the beautiful exchange that happens because plants depend on our care, and in turn, they take care of us by improving the indoor air quality we breathe.

The transition to remote and hybrid work and back to the worksite has been difficult for many reasons, and one consistent issue the idea of taking breaks. Taking breaks benefits both health and performance markers, such as energy levels, morale, and vigor, while decreasing job burnout, fatigue, and work stress. A bulk of research shows the best way to boost productivity is to take microbreaks every 60 minutes away from screen time. Try standing up, moving around, stretching, or practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to keep you motivated during your work blocks.

Dopamine, our motivation chemical, is highest in the morning. That’s why it can be helpful to tackle the “hardest” things first and set up a dopamine wave early in the morning. Have a morning routine consisting of discipline-building behaviours – a cold shower is perfect, as it is uncomfortable. Once you overcome an obstacle this big, the other “hard” tasks seem easy in comparison. Other examples are a morning workout or meditation session. This can help you face everything your day throws at you, big or small. Life is won with a series of decisions that build on each other!

These differences – 25% less body water than men, and less enzymes in their stomach and liver to break down alcohol in their system, means that alcohol goes through a woman’s system undiluted, and in higher concentrations. Research has shown given a man and a woman, both the same weight and physical condition, and given 3 standard drinks of alcohol in an hour – women consistently show a higher BAC level than the man. Women are often the designated drivers and if she consumes 2 or more standard drinks, she could show an elevated blood alcohol level of .08 and above.

The legal consequence for driving while impaired, or registering .08 or over on a breath or blood test is as follows: 1st Offence – 1 year suspension, 2nd offence – 5 yr. suspension, 3rd Offence- 10 yr. suspension and a lifetime suspension for 4 or more charges for impaired driving within a 10 yr. period. You will also receive 10 demerit points on your license from the Motor Vehicle Branch. If you refuse a breathalyser the penalties are more severe. 1st Offense – 2 yr. suspension, 2nd Offence – 7 yr. suspension, and 3rd Offence – 10 yr. suspension and forfeiture of your vehicle.