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Yukon, one mosquito-bitten woman responded to the question: Was it fun? “Not really,” she said, shaking her head. “But it was a great, life ad- venture. I’m glad I didn’t miss it.” Adventure can either defeat us or make us fully alive to life’s possibilities. It can make us complain and turn us bitter. Or it can transform us into a puppy with its head out the car window and its tongue flapping in the wind – delighted with life, and overjoyed with the possibilities. Last year’s solo canoe trip proved one of the coldest, wettest and windiest ever. After three days of cycling through every miserable emotion, it dawned on me: I was stuck in a real life, uncomfortable, unexpected adventure. From that moment onwards my attitude changed. I embraced the experience. I started looking for drama everywhere, and found it. I learned to savour each unexpected soggy moment. On the last day, paddling out in


the rain, wearing a silly grin, I was saying, out loud, “What a fabulous trip!” Adventures can make you feel like a Jedi Knight or a Greek hero, but you don’t have to battle a death star or assault a fortress. Your adventure might begin by deciding to lose 10 pounds and keep the weight off for five years. Or you could start a new business, or build a sailboat in your garage – some dream you’ve always nurtured. Don’t just think about it in some vague way; set clear markers that will spur you forward. Your hiking boots are only 48 hours away from being anywhere, anywhere in the world! But you have to take that first step. Choose your adventure wisely, then go for it! (Allen Macartney is planning a


2,000-kilometre solo canoe trip into the Arctic.) /OO


8 ottawaoutdoors


Science links outdoor activities


BY CRAIG MACARTNEY Could a 10-minute walk outdoors make you happier?


We interviewed John Zelenski, professor of psychology at Carleton University, to find out. He and PhD candidate Lisa Nisbet have carried out their own research and have come to believe that outdoor activity does that, and much more.


Ottawa Outdoors Magazine (OOM): How has your researched proven that outdoor activity boosts your mood? John Zelenski (JZ): I don’t think you can really point to one study that proves this, because they are all limited in scope. It’s more the culmination of studies that con- sistently support this research. We approached this from a couple of different angles. Over the course of two months, volunteers filled out broad questionnaires every few days about their mood and their activities that day. We also took volunteers for 10-minute walks inside Carleton University or outside by the Rideau Canal. Obviously weather makes a difference as well as other things, but we saw significant mood im- provements when people were outdoors. We also found that people who spend more time outdoors feel more connected to nature, and vice- versa. These people consistently report more positive emotions. Our research also suggests that people who spend more time outdoors are more environmentally conscious.


OOM: What is it about the outdoors that affects people? JZ: More research is needed to pinpoint this exactly, but in nature, people tend to have a soft fascination with things. It’s not very common that something in the outdoors demands immediate attention, whereas downtown you have to navigate crowds and busy streets. However, the impact of nature goes beyond just removing stress. It actually creates something positive. It’s worth mentioning that people who exercise outdoors are impacted slightly more than those just sitting. OOM: Is there a minimum time for this effect? JZ: More time is definitely better, but a ten-minute nature walk significantly boosts your mood. Other studies show even the sight of trees or water contributes to job satisfaction. Obviously there are bigger factors in life, but nature’s effect is still noticeable. OOM: Do wilderness trips have greater effect than walking in the city?


www.ottawaoutdoors.ca


and happiness Research close to proving what we all suspected


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