According to the National Health and Fitness Foundation, Canada is facing an inactivity crisis. They claim that daily physical activity is on the decline and preventable illness is on the rise. With the passage of the National Health and Fitness Day Act in 2014, Canada gained a day to celebrate getting up, getting out and getting active.
National Health and Fitness Day is an initiative to challenge Canada to become the fittest nation on Earth. It takes place on the first Saturday in June every year, with social media events and challenges leading up to the big day.
It's no surprise that this year stands out among others due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the revolving stay at home orders. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontarian's mental health has been significantly declining during the pandemic. Rates of stress, anxiety and depression are worse than ever.
Physical activity can be a powerful tool for Canadians to cope with COVID fatigue, though It's known that many people have found it challenging to keep active with the unpredictable nature of the pandemic. This uncertainty has also impacted our mental health. National Health and Fitness Day is a time to celebrate the benefits of activity and share the ways we can move, feel good and share the joy of the great outdoors! Whether its traditional forms of exercise like biking, walking or swimming or something more creative like curling steel, get up, get out and get moving!