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.
Community News
Physical Health & Plants
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!
Emotional Health & Plants
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.
Stop and Take a Break
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.
Enjoy Your Life to the Fullest
Good hearing means being able to enjoy every moment in life. But when you start experiencing hearing problems, you quickly feel you cannot enjoy all the things you care about. A hearing professional will work with you to get you back to better hearing. They can give you back the ability to enjoy your life to the fullest. Quality hearing professional are there every step of the way to identify the best solution for you. Look for a hearing centre that offers an extensive, complimentary hearing test, free follow-ups, and a wide range of innovative and discreet products. We can help.
Infertility Awareness Week
April 24-30th is National Infertility Awareness Week. The mission is to change the conversation around infertility. There are myths and misinformation that create barriers for people who need help to build their families. We want people to feel comfortable sharing their stories in a community that cares so that they don’t feel isolated and struggle. The color orange is used for infertility awareness. Orange promotes a sense of wellness and emotional energy. Let’s increase activity for this important week and remind those in our community that we are there for them during the disappointments, broken hearts, or wounded pride.
April is Oral Health Month
Oral health is important for everyone, including denture wearers. Gum disease, dental decay, and tooth loss are some of the main problems that denture wearers experience, so it is important to take good care of your gums, any remaining natural teeth, and to keep your partial or complete denture(s) clean and properly fitted! If gums, natural teeth, partials, and complete dentures are not cleaned properly, you are likely to experience a build-up of plaque, leading to bad breath, cavities, gum disease and further tooth loss. Denturists and dental hygienists play an integral role in the maintenance of your oral health. Be sure to book an appointment today.
Tips from Your Physiotherapist
Spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner! It is the time to start planting flowers, veggies, and fruit. Planting and digging in your garden require you to be on the ground and mostly on your knees. Simply using a knee cushion will help take the hard tension off your knees and legs and keep the strain off your back. Always try to take breaks and stand up to give your back a stretch. This will straighten up your spine and prevent your body from being sore and tight the next day. Most importantly, enjoy the sun!
Local Spotlight: Peony Wolf
At Peony Wolf I offer reiki, reflexology & Thai massage as well as yin/restorative energy healing classes. You can find me at my studio, at The Yoga Barre in Charleswood, or alternatively, I can visit you in your home at your convenience. I work with different modalities of energy healing to align your lifeforce and keep your body and spirit in balance. I utilize an integrative and holistic approach to therapy with an emphasis on identifying and addressing current stressors, exploring past experiences and family dynamics, and developing positive life patterns. Healing body, mind, and spirit as one is crucial to personal wellness.
Spring Into Action!
Spring is the season of renewal! It’s the perfect time to try a new fitness program to help look and feel your best all summer long. The 30 Minute Hit circuit is an effective cardiovascular and muscle conditioning program for women of all ages. Each 2-minute round based on boxing, kickboxing, general self-defense, and core stability training, will challenge you to improve your fitness and reward you with amazing results. Be part of a fun community and get fit doing it! Get out of winter hibernation and come clear your mind and transform your body faster than you could ever imagine!
Live With No Regrets
Living without regrets means stepping out of your comfort zone. Accessing your bold braveness, taking a chance and trying something new, not letting fear hold you back. The 5 main regrets people have when reviewing their lives are: 1) Wishing they hadn’t worked so hard. 2) Having the courage to live a life truer to themselves, instead of what other’s expected of them. 3) Expressing their true feelings more often. 4) Staying in touch with friends. 5) Doing the things and decisions that would have made them happier. Which areas in your life are you ready to liberate and live for more fully?
