While many of us dream of grand outdoor adventures and escaping to the wilderness for extended periods of time… It’s just not realistic all the time.
Sometimes we want to experience the benefits of nature without having to go too far. We want to relax and experience the world while leaving our everyday worries behind, even if only for a mid-day walk or an after-work adventure.
Because we all know that spending time outdoors can vastly improve our mental, physical and spiritual health. Yet Stats Canada found that Canadians spend about 90% of their time indoors. 90%!
That’s why we’re so glad that you don’t have to look far to find incredible parks and greenspaces right here in Calgary. Follow along as we share the 7 convincing health benefits of spending more time outdoors in Calgary
Because sometimes we need to disconnect to reconnect. All we need is a little motivation.
“I’m Feeling Lazy… Convince Me To Go Outside”
Besides the fact that it’s beautiful, smells great and there are countless parks and places to explore here in Calgary…
Let’s get scientific for a sec.
Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature improves essentially every aspect of our lives (keep reading below). Our connection to nature is so deep that simply looking at green space from indoors improves health outcomes more than if you were viewing a brick wall.
Plus, people who frequently visit “blue spaces,” like rivers, lakes and oceans, report lower levels of mental distress and better overall well-being. Coincidence? We think not!
Finally, having “new experiences” has been proven to be beneficial for improving brain function and boosting your mental health. In fact, people feel the positive effects of “travel” for up to five weeks after they return — so here’s your excuse to book a weekend getaway!
So we know you’re busy, but getting out in our parks and green spaces is one the easiest ways to improve your daily life and reap the benefits of nature, no matter the day or season.
If you need some motivation to go outside, even if for only a few minutes today, here are some of the biggest benefits you can expect and how to capitalize on them.
7 Convincing Health Benefits Of Spending More Time Outdoors In Calgary
1) Improved heart health from any form of exercise.
We’re talking walking, running, hiking, biking, playing sports or paddling on the water. Being outside increases our motivation to move our bodies, and an active lifestyle is a main pillar of health.
You don’t have to limit outdoor physical activity to the summer months either. We love activities like winter hikes (because they’re less busy), skating (because sometimes there’s a fire), and cross-country skiing (because you work up a sweat!) in and around Calgary.
2) Reduced stress and anxiety.
I think we could all use this one, eh? Being connected 24/7 affects us all — whether to your email, your job, your phone, your laptop, your smart home, you name it.
Take a page from the Japanese and try forest bathing. It’s the concept of completely unplugging and going into nature, distraction-free. No Apple Watch, no headphones, no texting — spend time immersed in nature for the best benefits (but of course, be safe). You don’t have to leave Calgary to find a forest, either. Griffith Woods, Fish Creek Park and the Douglas Fir Trail are great places to spend time in the tall trees.
3) Increased Vitamin D, thanks to sunlight exposure.
While too much direct sunlight can have negative effects, spending 10-30 minutes in the midday sun can help your body absorb Vitamin D naturally. Even your eyes need to see bright indirect sunlight to make this production happen.
So go for a lunchtime walk, plan an outdoor hangout or take the pup for a much-needed run. Any of the above can help you get some of this essential vitamin. See which dog parks or green spaces are near you — your office, your home or your commute route.
4) Boosted brain power (this should have been #1!).
Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature helps our brains — function better, think better, process better, everything! Spending time outdoors even helps us notice patterns and remember better.
So make it a priority to visit one of Calgary’s green spaces at least once a week. Fish Creek Park, Nose Hill Park, Bowmont Park and other large urban parks can help reset your brain.
5) Increased creativity and the ability to focus.
Feeling uninspired? Go for a walk. It doesn’t have to be far before this simple movement can get the creative juices flowing. Remember all those brain benefits we were just talking about? This is one of them!
So pick up the pace to simultaneously improve your heart health and throw on your favourite tunes for feel-good vibes (unless you’re forest bathing, of course).
6) More social connections — yay for more friends!
Research shows that greenery helps communities connect and strengthens relationships. Plus, being out of the house simply improves your chances of running into more people.
Bonding with others in the outdoors, whether you’re on a hike or playing in a park, creates a shared social connection that improves neighbourhoods. That’s one of the reasons we started a private Parks of Calgary Online Community Group (join us!). To share our experiences, build local relationships, and connect more people with each other and the outdoors.
7) Feelings of awe.
When humans gaze at something magnificent, intangible or surprising, the complex emotion we feel improves our health, creativity and cooperation. “Awe” roots us profoundly in the present as we experience something greater than ourselves.
And as you probably guessed it, one of the best places to experience awe is in nature. While a mountain peak or roaring waterfall might come to mind initially, exploring the tranquil Inglewood Bird Sanctuary or riverside Bowness Park can do the trick too. Pop outside of the city to visit the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory and stargaze while you explore the night sky.
Looking for Calgary Parks Near You?
Now that you know allll the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of getting outside, it’s time to decide where to go! Our YYC Adventure Atlas includes parks and greenspaces close to you, listing all the amenities and things you need to know before you go. No more excuses!
Parks of Calgary has been connecting Calgarians to the outdoors since 2019. The community-driven platform encourages people to get outside and explore this city we call home while supporting local businesses and engaging with their community. Learn more about what we stand for, or let’s connect here.
Meet the local photographers who contributed to our site.
