Written by Catherine Marcotte
As days get shorter and temperatures grow colder, it can be hard to get outside. Yet even a few minutes of daylight, especially at the beginning of your day, can do wonders to keep your energy levels up. As the American National Institute of Health noted in 2019, light, especially natural light, can affect mood in several ways. You’ve likely heard that it can help increase serotonin – a chemical that balances your overall mood and well-being. If you can, pairing light exposure with physical activity – such as a morning walk or run – can have a significant impact on your sense of well-being. You can also consider bundling up and getting some light by standing or sitting in the sunlight for a few minutes. Whatever you choose, I hope you remember to get outside and take care of yourself during this busy season. In the stress of final papers, grant applications, and proposal deadlines, it’s all too easy to neglect getting outside and taking care of your body. Here are some easy ways to get outside and reap the benefits!
If you tend to take the bus to school, consider getting off a stop or two early and walking the last few minutes to your class or office. This can be a small but impactful way of spending a few minutes of time outside every day.
Do you tend to take a lunch or a midday break? Consider zipping up your coat, pressing play on your favourite playlist or podcast, and going for a short walk around campus. If you’re near Bader Lane or King St W, you could take a quick walk by the lake in Breakwater Park. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some rays of sunlight. Taking a few minutes to sit on the rocks or at a nearby picnic table can help you take a meaningful break in your day. If walking or otherwise accessing long distances isn’t the right activity for you, some city bus route might offer a quick trip to a nearby park. There are also benches and picnic tables across campus where you can enjoy a few minutes outside. I particularly like the benches that run along Professor’s Walk near Nixon field and Theological Hall.
If interrupting your workday with a walk seems stressful or unsustainable, you might try getting a walk in on the weekend or at the end of the day. While routines can help structure busy graduate student schedules, it can be good to take some time for yourself and consider exploring someplace new or taking a different way home.
To me, some of the best walking spots near campus are Battery Park and City Park, both of which are short walks from the Grad Club. I’ve also found myself going to the Springer Market Square behind City Hall and enjoying the beautiful lights that adorn Princess St after dark. If you’re planning on doing some Holiday shopping, you could consider making a walk downtown a part of your plans. Wherever you choose to go, getting outside can help you re-centre yourself during this busy season. You might even find your new favourite ritual.