Life in Lockdown: Researching the impact of COVID-19 on the physical activity and wellbeing of Canadians

When the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Canada and protective public health restrictions were implemented across the country, the need to understand how these measures would impact Canadian wellbeing and physical activity behavior emerged. For instance, the closure of recreation facilities, city parks and playgrounds would require Canadians to be innovative in their physical activity practices….

Mental Health Week 2020

It’s Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is #GetReal about how you feel. From to expressing how you really feel, to active listening and care-mongering, this resource from the Canadian Mental Health Association will help you check in on your mental health, and the mental health of your family and friends.

Living True Sport While Physical Distancing

The new Living True Sport While Physical Distancing infographic highlights ways to live each of the True Sport Principles while staying at home. This includes being an active member of the team, with both your colleagues and your family.

Friendly Competition

Research suggests competition is a stronger motivator for exercise than friendly support. To encourage active living amongst the SIRC team, supporting our physical and mental health, we’re using the Challenge Hound app. Learn more about this and other strategies used over the last month to help keep the team healthy and engaged in the SIRC…

Managing Stress

“We may not have control over our circumstances, but we do have control over our minds.” The Harvard Business Review recommends mental skills and practices to help get us through this challenging time, including expressing gratitude, finding purpose, and using your breath to help with focus and anxiety reduction.

Outdoor Recreation Infographic

Unless you feel ill, spending time outdoors every day, alone or with the people you live with, is an excellent way to take care of your mental and physical health. Tips from the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC to keep ourselves, our communities and our outdoor spaces safe and healthy include staying local, expecting closures,…

What SIRC learned in our first month of working from home

Across Canada, the spread of COVID-19 is forcing us to navigate new ways of working, relaxing, and spending time with family and friends. SIRC had been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. On March 13, 2020, CEO Debra Gassewitz implemented SIRC’s Pandemic Response Plan, developed to support risk management and SIRC’s obligation as an employer to…

NWSIS Nutrition Infographic

Are you constantly feeling flat, tired and unmotivated? While stress could be the cause given the current circumstances, this infographic from the New South Wales Institute of Sport provides some other suggestions, including sleep patterns, dietary habits, overtraining and dehydration.

15 At-Home Activities

Meeting the recommended movement guidelines can contribute to the health and wellbeing of you and your family. In this ParticipACTION blog, 15 ways for you & your family to stay active at home, discover activities that you can do in your living room, on the balcony or in the backyard.

Outdoors is Good For Mental Health

Experts from Brock University agree that getting outside is good for your physical and mental health. Being outside and surrounded by trees, flowers and other plants stimulates physiological responses that have a positive effect on your mental health. Whether you’re strolling with the dog or setting a new 10km best time, get outside!