In light of recent park closures by conservation authorities and municipalities to prevent the spread of COVID-19, people need to be creative in how they connect with nature, says Kyle Rich, Assistant Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University.<\/p>\n
Connecting with nature could include activities like gardening, strolling around the block or walking in a neighbourhood park.<\/p>\n
\u201cResearch shows that exercising outdoors and even just being outdoors, where you\u2019re exposed to natural products like wood, flowers or plants, stimulates physiological responses in our body,\u201d says Rich.<\/p>\n
Even better, exposure to the outdoors has tangible positive mental health outcomes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to consider the physiological and mental health benefits of being outdoors and how to integrate that into your plans when you can\u2019t go to the gym or go out with friends to social events like you normally do,\u201d says Rich.<\/p>\n
Even having plants or pets inside the house makes a difference, he adds.<\/p>\n
When making plans to be outside, Rich stresses the need to avoid touching surfaces and follow physical distancing and other protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.<\/p>\n
\u201cAppreciate what we do have access to,\u201d he says. \u201cIf you have a small backyard or a balcony, take the time to use it and make the best of it. You could even take your home workout to the front porch.\u201d<\/p>\n