The country’s most circulated newspaper recently pointed to Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division’s Mood Walks program as one of the best ways for Ontarians to experience the healing benefits of the great outdoors.
The Toronto Star piece, titled Take a walk in the woods for better health, notes that scientific research suggests spending time in nature may reduce blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety, and can also improve mental health, cognition and sleep.
Led by CMHA Ontario, Mood Walks is a provincewide initiative that promotes physical activity in nature, or “green exercise,” as a way to improve both physical and mental health. Through a partnership with Hike Ontario and Conservation Ontario, Mood Walks provides training and support for community mental health agencies, social service organizations and other community partners to launch educational hiking programs, connect with local resources, find volunteers, and explore nearby trails and green spaces. For more information, visit moodwalks.ca.