The physical work of gardening, preparing soil, planting seeds, watering and weeding produces good chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. Garden work can also help reduce blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels. Low cortisol levels keep inflammation down and manages carbohydrates and blood sugars. Being physically active through gardening provides lasting wellness benefits. Physical exercise – digging, hoeing and watering uses balance, muscles, and strength. While all physical activity is beneficial, your emotions benefit too!

Living in or near green spaces, spending time in both natural settings, and cultivated green space can improve mood and reduce the negative effects of stress. Other positive outcomes include reduction in aggressive feelings and enhancement of overall well-being. Studies have found that exposure to indoor plants improved feelings of well-being in participants. Plants are the lungs of the planet, drawing in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. One of the best things about caring for indoor plants is the beautiful exchange that happens because plants depend on our care, and in turn, they take care of us by improving the indoor air quality we breathe.

The transition to remote and hybrid work and back to the worksite has been difficult for many reasons, and one consistent issue the idea of taking breaks. Taking breaks benefits both health and performance markers, such as energy levels, morale, and vigor, while decreasing job burnout, fatigue, and work stress. A bulk of research shows the best way to boost productivity is to take microbreaks every 60 minutes away from screen time. Try standing up, moving around, stretching, or practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to keep you motivated during your work blocks.

Sleep deprivation can play a role in the body’s inflammatory process, potentially increasing inflammatory molecules like cytokines, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein (an inflammation marker that’s often elevated in people at risk for heart disease and diabetes). Chronic inflammation can lead to the development of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Studies have shown that acupuncture may help to improve insomnia symptoms, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency, as well as symptoms of conditions that can affect sleep, such as restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, pain, anxiety, and depression. Improving sleep may help to decrease inflammation in the body.

Dopamine, our motivation chemical, is highest in the morning. That’s why it can be helpful to tackle the “hardest” things first and set up a dopamine wave early in the morning. Have a morning routine consisting of discipline-building behaviours – a cold shower is perfect, as it is uncomfortable. Once you overcome an obstacle this big, the other “hard” tasks seem easy in comparison. Other examples are a morning workout or meditation session. This can help you face everything your day throws at you, big or small. Life is won with a series of decisions that build on each other!

These differences – 25% less body water than men, and less enzymes in their stomach and liver to break down alcohol in their system, means that alcohol goes through a woman’s system undiluted, and in higher concentrations. Research has shown given a man and a woman, both the same weight and physical condition, and given 3 standard drinks of alcohol in an hour – women consistently show a higher BAC level than the man. Women are often the designated drivers and if she consumes 2 or more standard drinks, she could show an elevated blood alcohol level of .08 and above.

The legal consequence for driving while impaired, or registering .08 or over on a breath or blood test is as follows: 1st Offence – 1 year suspension, 2nd offence – 5 yr. suspension, 3rd Offence- 10 yr. suspension and a lifetime suspension for 4 or more charges for impaired driving within a 10 yr. period. You will also receive 10 demerit points on your license from the Motor Vehicle Branch. If you refuse a breathalyser the penalties are more severe. 1st Offense – 2 yr. suspension, 2nd Offence – 7 yr. suspension, and 3rd Offence – 10 yr. suspension and forfeiture of your vehicle.

If your car is in an accident you can legally be held responsible for the damage or injuries others claim against you – even though you were not driving, or in the car at the time. If your BAC registers .08 or you have a blood test result that exceeds .08, it is punishable under the Criminal Code. If another person is driving your car while intoxicated, and the person was in an accident you are not covered for the damages and injuries to the individual driving. Nor, are you covered for the damage or injury to the other person.

Impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death in Canada, and the #1 cause of death of Canadian youth. “Driving under the Influence” (DUI), is the term used in Canada since 1921, to describe the criminal offense of operating a motor vehicle, while the person’s ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs. “Driving While Impaired” includes: Swerving and weaving; jerky, sudden movements, failure to follow traffic signs and signals, tail-gaiting, or mishandling of vehicle equipment. The two terms can refer to the same offence, or the state you were in when you were pulled over.