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World Health Day

Health & wellness in a chaotic and uncertain world

On April 7, we celebrate World Health Day and all of our heroic health care workers who continue to work around the clock to make their communities safe and healthy.

This year, World Health Day is focusing on “building a fairer, healthier world for everyone.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recent COVID-19 pandemic has pushed more people into poverty and food insecurity, and increased health insecurities. WHO is calling for a year-long campaign to help provide the highest attainable standard of health for every human-being.

In our own backyards, the pandemic has also driven a number of mental health concerns across Canada specifically. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health conducted a national survey this past winter and found Canadians suffered from fluctuating anxiety, with mental health amplified for women, parents and younger adults. Almost 25 per cent of Canadians reported moderate to serve anxiety, with 19 per cent seeking help for their mental health concerns.

At Ste. Anne’s Spa, we work with clients daily to address both their physical and mental well-being through the use of Registered Health Care Professionals and unique indoor and outdoor wellness programming.

Using advice from some of our in-house experts, we’ve compiled some simple things you can try at home to help when you feel overwhelmed, anxious or stressed.

1. Go for a walk: It’s no secret that physical activity can do wonders for your well-being. Try going for a brisk walk in the morning to awaken your mental alertness, or after work to burn off any additional stress and built-up frustrations. It is recommended to do 30 minutes a day, if possible.
2. Do something you love: Take up a new hobby or immerse yourself in beloved activities. Painting, writing, photography and biking are examples of purposeful activities that can make you feel like stressed and more relaxed. As well, a recent study also suggested bird-watching and bird diversity is linked to happiness. 
3. Deep-breathing: Lie down and close your eyes. Breathe through the nose and out through your mouth. Utilizing mindful breathing can reduce anxiety, help you relax before bed and control stress responses in the body.
4. Take time out: Don’t be afraid to take a break if you need to. Life can get busy -- focusing on yourself can keep provide calmness and control in a hectic world.
5. Stretch: Reduce chronic pain and improve mental health by stretching. Simple stretches increase flexibility, range of motion and blow flow – it also slows the production of stress hormones. Bonus: they can be done anywhere!

The last thing to remember is you’re not alone. There are many resources available, including a Crisis Help Line for all Canadians, as well as a Hope for Wellness Help Line available to all Indigenous people across Canada.