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Words To Live By

“Sometimes we forget our own greatness. It’s up to you and you alone to love yourself into the person you always dreamed you’d become.” – Jason Mraz

Words To Live By

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Going Green: The Benefits of Exercising Outdoors

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir, Scottish-American naturalist and conservationist.


Stepping outside into the warmth of a spring day is one of the best moments of the year. After a long cold winter, those first few bursts of spring seem to rejuvenate our weather-worn souls. That mental health reboot is just one of the many benefits the great outdoors has to offer, and believe it or not, our ancestors have something to do with it.


There has been a growing field of research over the last thirty years on the interconnectedness between human health and nature, with a focus on ‘green exercise’. Green exercise is simply a physical activity that takes place in a natural setting or ‘green space’. For example, going for a bike ride along a nature trail or a leisurely walk through a neighborhood park would both classify as green exercise.

Of course, any form of exercise can be good for you, but what makes the ‘green’ in exercise so beneficial? To begin with, researchers theorize that humans have an innate affiliation with nature because we were shaped in part by our evolutionary environment. Simply put, our hunter-gatherer ancestors lived and fed off the land in a natural setting for thousands of years and that has left an imprint on our DNA.
A 2013 systematic research review on green exercise from the Journal of Extreme Physiology and Medicine affirmed that “the great outdoors has been a crucial part of human evolution, and it’s likely this reaches into modern attitudes towards nature, both conscious and unconscious.” Most people today live in urban settings surrounded by concrete, limiting contact with the restorative properties of nature. Driving in traffic on a noisy street stands in stark contrast to the way our ancestors lived in close proximity to nature. So if you’re walking along a wilderness trail this summer feeling happily at one with nature, take a moment to thank your ancestors!


Exercising outdoors can also be motivational, especially if your workout routine is feeling a little monotonous. Going green may be a great way to change things up. The 2013 journal article also showed that green exercise motivates people to be physically active by, “increasing enjoyment and escapism from everyday life.” Add in some sunlight and a little Vitamin D and you’ll find your mood improving with each step you take.


Furthermore, the article confirmed that exercise will actually feel easier when performed in a natural setting. “Green exercise reduces perceived effort and allows individuals to work at a higher intensity.” For example, if you’re jogging along a park trail, the pleasant environment can distract you from the task at hand, allowing you to jog longer or faster. I personally find running outdoors far preferable to indoors – I loathe treadmills but find running outside quite exhilarating.

The mental health benefits of the great outdoors are abundant and worth noting. In a Psychology Today article, psychologist Dr. Alan Fogel points out several advantages to green exercise, “it makes people happier, less fatigued and angry, more tranquil and relaxed, and bestows a more lasting energy boost compared to indoor exercise.” And even five minutes of green exercise (like walking across a beautiful campus or downtown park) can improve self-esteem and mood. Research has found the more connected you are to nature, the more life satisfaction you will have. Dr. Fogel explains, “Restorative environments have been shown to bring us more in touch with ourselves and remind us what is important in our lives.”


Ultimately, anyone can benefit from a green environment and what better time to enjoy the power of nature than the first bloom of spring. Victoria Lifeline’s GoSafe mobile pendant can help you feel safe and confident as you explore all the benefits of exercising outside. With advanced geo-location technology and industry-leading fall detection technology, GoSafe* is designed to quickly find you whether you are safe at home or out for a lovely afternoon walk. For more information on how this service can support your active lifestyle, visit victorialifeline.ca.

This article is meant to be informational and should not replace the advice of a trained healthcare professional.
GoSafe relies on cellular network availability.

Krystal Stokes is a Communications Manager with Victoria Lifeline, a community service of the Victoria General Hospital Foundation.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nature-that-nurtures/

The Miracle of Everyday Loving

Try shutting your eyes after reading this editorial and think of a person in your life who loved you with their whole heart and made an impact and difference in your life. Now keep that warm feeling alive inside your heart and let it radiate through your whole body creating a chamber of compassion and love. Allow any doubt, worry or negativity to melt and dissolve in that chamber. When we start each morning bathing ourselves knowing I am loved, desired and worthy, it increases our energy vibration out into the world. When we choose to love ourselves and others it transforms our world one person at a time.

Are You Activating Your Best?

You have everything inside of you to make your life work. But parts of you are buried beneath years of distress, distraction, and dysfunction. Your soul has the scar tissue to prove it!
A perfect way to get started is with a life inventory. You need clarity. Know what to keep, and what to release. When you align your clarity – with your purpose – you activate your best.
I co-created the Life Mapping Process. It precisely maps your next actions to fulfilling purpose. Start with the life inventory assessment – the world is waiting for you.

Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a no-cook oatmeal that you make by letting them rest overnight. Enjoy this decadent (but healthy) recipe! Ingredients: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats, 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt, 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut. Instructions: Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Close and refrigerate overnight.

Keep Your Joints Happy

Many of us have an old injury, or joint that tends to stiffen up with a change in weather. With an increase in barometric pressure or humidity, especially in these nasty cold spells we’ve been experiencing, our joints get cold and cranky just like the rest of us. These changes cause the “synovial fluid” in our joints to increase in viscosity, causing inflammation. A few easy ways to keep our joints happy is with extra layers of warmth. For examples: Wearing Long John’s, a knee or elbow sleeve, tensor bandage or even putting your clothes in the dryer before putting them on. Stay warm out there!

Acupuncture for Back Spasms & Pain

Back spasms can be the result of injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, or they can be related to more serious medical conditions. In addition to heavy lifting, any activity that puts excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back can cause an injury. Acupuncture relieves lower back pain and restores range of motion. Independent research teams find acupuncture effective for treating lumbar disc herniations, lower back muscle spasms and sprains, and chronic pain of the lower back. While OTC or prescription pain medications may offer some relief, they mask the pain to the point that a person continues to do a certain activity that may worsen their physical situation.

Kickboxing Benefits for Women

Kickboxing is one of the best cardiovascular and muscle conditioning activities for women of all ages, offering many health benefits. Some benefits include: 1) Toning your whole body. Kickboxing helps engage all of the muscle groups in your body, and helps strengthen your core. 2) Burning fat and calories fast. Kickboxing can burn about 500 calories in 30 minutes and help burn belly fat. 3) Helping with stress relief. Kickboxing can release endorphins and help you release stress. 4) Teaching self-defense moves. You can learn how to protect yourself. 5) Boosting confidence. You’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.