The fight to stay healthy goes beyond hitting fitness goals and adhering to a diet plan – being healthy has a lot to do with maintaining mental resilience and emotional balance.
More Canadians are discovering that a powerful way to achieve physical and mental well-being is to build a regular connection with nature. Activities like hiking, trail running, paddle boarding, and nature-based mindfulness are all proven to help people maintain mass, train alternative muscle groups, reduce stress, and improve general mood and outlook.
We asked Stephen Gleave, an Ontario-based lawyer, outdoor enthusiast, and hobby farmer, to share his unique insights into the bond between healthy living and mental resiliency.
Gardening: Mindful Movement For All Ages
Gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a gentle yet effective workout. From digging to raking, gardening engages major muscle groups while getting you outdoors and in nature. Recent studies found that gardening for at least 2.5 hours a week significantly improved mental and physical well-being, especially in older adults.
As Stephen Gleave notes, “After a day in the garden I feel both energized and physically spent. It’s not always easy work but it pays dividends. I feel more grounded and balanced, and access muscle groups I probably wouldn’t in a pilates class.” Gardening is a flexible activity that can be enjoyed solo or with family, nearly year-round making it a good choice for many across Canada seeking to improve their health.
Hiking: Forging a Path to Physical and Mental Strength
Another largely accessible, low-impact activity that combines cardio with strength training, is hiking. Not only does it work the legs and core, but hiking offers the opportunity to disconnect from technology and immerse oneself in nature. Spending time in natural surroundings helps to reduce cortisol levels and fosters mental clarity.
“Lacing up my boots is a signal to my mind to reconnect with my body,” says Gleave. “ I know there has been significant research into the benefits of “green exercise” like hiking as a tool to improve self-esteem and reduce negative emotions – I’d say that’s true. Nothing gives you a morale boost quite like conquering a mountain.”
Trail and Road Running: Meditation in Motion
For those seeking a more intense cardio workout, long-distance running offers a particularly physical challenge. Requiring minimal equipment and allowing individuals to set their own pace, running is one of the most accessible sports, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Whether it be trail running in a natural setting, with its unpredictable terrain, or maneuvering down busy urban streets, running requires concentration and adaptability. It turns exercise into a mindful experience, forcing runners to stay present and focused on each step.
As Stephen Gleave shares, “Running in nature has helped me find mental clarity and stress relief that I don’t get on a treadmill. The trails give me both a physical challenge and a mental escape. It allows me to recharge and reset, especially after a long day.”
