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Part three of your summer wellness plan

Cheryl Gordon shares week three of her plan for summer wellness
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This series of articles outlines simple activities that maximize enjoyment of the summer season. Read weeks one and two.

Take a vacation.

Staycations are a popular alternative but they are not the same as new scenery and a shake-up of the day-to-day routine. One of the benefits of travel is the awkwardness and challenge of figuring out where the grocery store is or what route to take. Because our minds are inundated constantly--even during sleep, really--with sensory impressions, we have developed coping mechanisms to filter out the routine stuff. Something out of the ordinary, however, engages our minds in a different way. The old adage, “a change is as good as a rest," is not entirely accurate but the sentiment holds true.

A quick weekend may not be enough to reap the full benefits. According to a Reader’s Digest summary of the research, a minimum of eight days is required. At 11 days, home begins to call again and the gain falls behind the costs. Performance at work is boosted, health factors contributing to longevity are improved and your brain rewires itself when you take that break.

Drop into nature.

This is part B of vacationing. The options for a holiday are endless but to maximize the recharge, communing with nature beats all others. Research is plentiful on the health benefits of exposure to the natural environment. Camping is a great option! It’s relatively inexpensive. You don’t have to travel a long way. It’s available for any age or fitness level. Camping equipment can be rented easily, although reserving ahead is recommended. Ontario Parks rent fully stocked yurts - which are like permanent tents – in many of their provincial campgrounds. If “glamping” is more your style, rent an RV from an existing owner and they will likely give you tons of inside tips. To get really adventurous, an outdoors outfitter can rent all the gear, including the canoe, to take you into the backwoods.

Be near water.

This is part C of vacationing. Can’t manage a full vacation? Get many of the health benefits from ritual exposure to large bodies of water. It’s called “blue space” and it’s just as important as green space for our well being. Recently, scientists completed a review of over 48 million respondents who self-reported a more positive frame of mind, and the sense of healthfulness that stems from that, when exposed regularly to larger bodies of water.

One of my favourite summer activities is to find a sunset over water. Here in Thorold, that can be at Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation area on the boardwalk. Free, accessible by foot or bike as well as vehicle, and handicapped friendly, this little gem is like a welcome embrace at the end of a long day. The best part about waiting for the sunset is that it takes time and forces you to slow down.

Next week is the final instalment in our summer wellness series.