Building Wellness Together as a Family

Did you know that being close to nature is good for our brains and bodies? It makes us healthier and happier. So here’s your Get Outside challenge for this week...I want you to find a Sit Spot.

A sit spot is just a place where you can be close to nature. It might be beside a tree or near a garden, close to a plant you like, or even beside an open window where you can see some nature.

The idea is to sit (or lie down) quietly, for as long as you can and use your eyes, ears, nose and body to see, hear, smell, and feel everything about your spot. You’ll be amazed at how much is going on.

So go find a sit spot of your own, and try it out for a few days this week. Some people have sit spots that they visit every day. Other people visit only once in a while, and some find a new sit spot whenever they need one. 

Sometimes we just need a little inspiration or motivation to get ourselves outside!  One way to find that is to look for something new or unique.  Just like if we were to eat the same meal everyday, we can get bored if we expereince the same places in the same way all the time.

So...challenge your self or family to explore nature at a time you normally wouldn't - go out after dark to star-gaze, go for a walk in the rain, try an early-morning hike, eat a meal outdoors, or create your own unique adventure!

Set yourself up for success by planning ahead so you can bring what you need to be  comfortable and have fun.  What will you need - a flashlight?  Rain gear? A cup of your favourite hot drink?  A blanket?

A great way to get outside and spend time in nature is bird-watching. And you don’t need any special equipment - just a little piece of nature and some patience. Check out the links below to help you get started.

Step 1: Find a good spot for birding (TIP: birds like trees and water)

Step 2: Start by listening - you usually hear birds before you see them...How many different bird sounds do you hear?

Step 3: Look for evidence of birds - nests, feathers, poop

Step 4: Look up high in trees, but also low on the ground (a lot of birds look for food on the ground)

Step 5: Think about recording the birds you see (create your own bird journal)

YOUR CHALLENGE: Try to identify some of the birds you heard or saw. There are about 500 different kinds of birds in Ontario. You can use apps on your device to help you figure out which birds you see and hear. https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/best-apps-for-birding-with-kids/

Is that a BEE? Or a WASP? Or a FLY?

How can you tell?
Well, David Suzuki has the answer for you...check out this site for an interesting little test you can do to figure out what that creature in your yard is!

Added bonus: tons of cool info about bees, wasps, and flies - they’re very different from each other, and all have special jobs in our ecosystem!

YOUR CHALLENGE:  Have a closer look a the flying insects you notice when you're outside!  Bees are important pollinators and need our help to be able to keep doing their very important job!

https://tinyurl.com/teaf7bxz

This one is simple and fun!  All you need is some cardboard (grab an old box from the recycle bin), an outdoor space like your backyard or local park, and your imagination!

Use the cardboard (or newspaper) to make a 'picture' frame.  Lay the frame on the ground, and begin to collect nature materials.

Add the pieces of nature to the frame, creating a work of art!

Remember to only pick up things that are already on the ground, and nothing that is growing.  Make it interesting by adding the challenge of only collecting things that are green, then yellow, then red.

Try out different styles of art - create a picture or nature scene, a collage, or a mosaic.  Leave your art where others will see it (but make sure to come back and recycle anything that doesn't belong in nature), or take a photo and share your creating with the world!

Find some water in nature! Whether it's a lake, pond or stream, visit the closest body of water in your community and learn about the species that live there.
Invite a friend to spend some time enjoying the water’s calming effects with you.

We're very lucky to have so much fresh water close by.
Plan a visit to Lake Ontario or Georgian Bay, or hike a chunk of the Bruce Trail (you're sure to cross a stream or two). 

Head to one of our nearby
conservation areas like Island Lake, Monora Park, Mono Cliffs, Boyne Valley, Luther Marsh for your dose of healing nature!
But be ready...sounds like birdsong and flowing water may alleviate stress, help lower blood pressure and lead to feelings of tranquility!

This is the perfect time of year to appreciate all the colours created by nature!

Pick a local hiking spot, or take a stroll through your neighboorhood and collect nature items for every colour of the rainbow.  Enjoy the warm autumn sun, the smells of the season change and the fresh, crisp air!

Collect your items in a bag, tape/tie them to a stick or strip of cardboard, or create a design with your finds on the ground where someone will notice and be inspired by your art!

Having a simple but specific task to do as you spend your time outdoors can help focus your mind on something new, which helps to develop mindfulness.