One of my biggest pet peeves throughout this recent pandemic and subsequent quarantine was the lack of emphasis on the importance of exercise during these challenging times.
When people think of quarantine one of the many images that may come to mind is wine-swilling, pajama-wearing women grasping their smart phones with a look of desperation on their face as they look out their living room windows.
Or for some it may be the frazzled parents trying desperately to work remotely while their children wreak havoc in the background interrupting their Zoom meetings. The mantra “Stay Home, Stay Safe” was definitely effective as many took this to the extreme of never leaving the confines of their home with exception to a frenzied shop at the local grocery store.
I think there needs to be a little more emphasis on what keeps us healthy and sane during a pandemic besides social isolation and quarantining. I think the mantra should be changed to “Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Active”.
Movement comes in many forms. For some it may be dance. Some may like to ride. Walking, running, swimming; it does not matter how you do it, it just matters that you do it. I think Nike was on to something when they came up with the slogan “Just do it”. It’s just that simple.
Human bodies were designed with movement in mind. When we stop moving, we will find atrophy not just in our body, but in our mind as well. Many studies have shown the benefits of exercise often outperform pharmaceutical drugs.
Our body has its own internal pharmacy, and exercising the body may release hormones and neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endocannabinoids. I don’t think anyone will argue the point that you feel better after a walk in the woods. Its just that simple.
The Japanese have long embraced the practice of shinrin yoku, or what we would translate to “forest bathing”. The pairing of movement within the canopy of the forest has a very potent effect. Shinrin yoku is said to be very good for stress reduction, boosting the immune system, and reducing blood pressure. I will vouch for the benefits of shinrin yoku as it is something I incorporate into my daily routine.
After a long day of work there is nothing more soothing than a walk, run or hike through the woods. We are very fortunate here in Squamish to be surrounded by an abundance of trails that often go deep into the forest. It is on these “off the beaten track” type of trails where you can go for quite awhile without running into another person. These are times for self reflection and connecting with the sounds and smells of nature.
It truly is food for the soul.
As we move on into the “new normal” and the Provincial Parks starting to reopen, make sure you get out and enjoy the benefits of the woods.
If you are in a bad mood, depressed, lethargic, stressed out, push yourself and get outside. Breathe in the beautiful clean Squamish air, and walk, run, hike, bike through one of our countless trails. You will feel better. Make it part of your lifestyle and you will feel fabulous. Movement is medicine.
Laura Modray is the Executive Director of the Squamish Senior Citizen Home Society
