'Beautiful views': Mood Routes nature walks to

‘Beautiful views’: Mood Routes nature walks to boost mental health, well being

Need something to get you in a better “mood”?

TAYLOR MARTIN-ROBBINS

Is school stressing you out? Do you feel like you want to make more friends on campus? Or do you simply love nature and want to explore the beautiful trails the Guelph campus has to offer?

Student Wellness has an event that might be for you.

Mood Routes is a stress-free, zero commitment event, where you can meet great people and get a well-deserved break from your studies.

“We just talk about our days, and what’s going on and get some good exercise,” said event coordinator, Angelica Digiacinto.

Each week, participants will be taken into the Arboretum for an hour-long, low-key, relaxing nature walk along with the wonderful volunteers, she explained.

“You can choose to chat with your peers, or simply tag along and enjoy the beautiful views,” she said.

The organizers believe having this hour in nature can be very beneficial to mental health and physical wellbeing.

“Taking this walk is really helpful to clear your head, and stretch your legs,” Digiacinto said.

And the best part is, you don’t have to be particularly outdoorsy or athletic to participate. Everyone goes at their own pace, whether they are a fast walker, or like to take things slower.

“I’m an indoor person, and I love staying inside, and I love this, because it’s just a nice way to get to know people,” said volunteer Hanika Saini.

Mood Routes happens every Friday from Oct. 25 to Nov. 25 from noon to 1 p.m.

Participants can meet outside the J.T. Powell building, rain or shine.

You can register for the event on Gryphlife, and for more information, go to gryphlife. uoguelph.ca.

Students wishing to join Mood Routes during their November walks can register online at gryphlife.ca. CREDIT: TAYLOR MARTIN-ROBBINS