Ecotherapy and your health

“Ecotherapy” is the practice of taking part in outdoor physical activities that promote well-being in nature. These activities, which range from walking groups, community gardening, running and dog walking, have been found to help individuals struggling with stress, anxiety and other diseases. 

British health experts recently conducted a study that showed that 69% of adults who regularly took part in green exercise activities experienced improved mental health. In a survey of 100 people, 90% of respondents indicated that the combination of exercise and nature positively influenced their mood and well being

. 

Research suggests incorporating two and a half hours of walking into your weekly routine can lower your stress levels and lead to improved health by decreasing ones risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. 

Ecotherapy is a great way to relax, improve you well-being as well as prepare for the 2014 MS Mandarin Walk. To read more about ecotherapy, visit http://bit.ly/1fVhowX via CTV News.

Feature of the Day: Social Media Tools!

 

 

Check out our revamped website at www.mswalks.ca!  

Today’s feature of the day: SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS!  Use the images, videos and tools featured on this page to show your support and spread the word about the Mandarin MS Walk via social media! For more information and to access the tools, visit http://bit.ly/17IReNJ

Check out our revamped website!

Have you checked out the newly revamped www.mswalks.ca? Along with a new layout and design, we’ve made the website easier to navigate as well as added some cool new features!

Today’s feature:The TEAM CAPTAIN’S MANUAL! Thinking of creating a team, or already a Team Captain? Check out the manual for great resources to get started, keep motivated and tips to reach your team fundraising goals!

2014 Mandarin MS Walk registration now open!

We are excited to announce that registration for the 2014 Mandarin MS Walk is now open at mswalks.ca! Mark your calendars to lace up for someone you love – events will take place across Ontario on May 4 or May 25, 2014.

The benefits of cold weather running & walking

Don’t let the cold weather stop you from heading outdoors and getting your daily physical activity! Here are 4 reasons why running and walking in cold weather actually benefits your health.

• Unlike popular belief, running and walking in colder weather is actually less stressful on your body. The cooler weather makes physical activity easier, compared to hot or humid temperatures when people commonly experience heat stress.

• Making running or walking outdoors a weekly routine starting in the fall months is a great way to prevent winter weight gain. Along with being free and convenient, it also provides a more exciting and scenic route than your gym treadmill.

•  Getting outside, no matter the weather, can also help prevent Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD). Not only does running and walking release hormones to combat winter blues and increase positive moods, but studies show that during the colder months it increases energy, decreases depression and makes you more committed to your workout plan.

•  Our bodies are naturally conditioned to preserve our fat stores in the colder months as we decrease our exercise levels. By running or walking throughout the fall and winter months, we can prevent the season slowdown and boost our metabolism to maintain a healthy weight year round.

So bundle up and remember that registration for the 2014 Mandarin MS Walk is now open at mswalks.ca!

(via Shape Magazine)