Health and Wellness with ADRIANNE SZABO-PAYNE

As the world slowly starts to reopen, and we are given tidbits of permission to get back out there, it is evident that what once was, may never be again. So, it’s within ourselves to establish our new “normal”
and resume our lives in a way that will enrich our health; mind, body and spirit.
I will be the first to admit that COVID-19 lock-down has been a doozy. As a small business owner of a boutique health club, we are standing at a light that is still very much red and the countdown counter is still
in the high double digits. But are we going to let worry of wonder get the best of us?
Not a chance! So, what can we do while we wait for the light to turn green?
One thing we can be thankful for is that this pandemic descended upon us as winter was turning to spring. The promise of warm weather on the horizon means that we can be outside and maintain the required physical distancing to reduce the spread while still enjoying the world.
If you’re missing your workouts at the gym, there are plenty of substitutes outside that can both keep your fitness level up, help to clean out the mental fog and reduce the spread by maintain distance.
There is the obvious – walking, jogging, riding your bike, or roller-blading. There is also a ton of free and paid workouts on the Internet. Many instructors are trying to keep busy and build a following by offering live virtual classes through Facebook and Instagram live. If these are not for you, consider starting a garden at your home, or joining a community
garden in your neighbourhood.
As the daughter of an avid gardener, my green thumb was initially brown, much to my mother’s chagrin. However, over time I found the therapeutic and physical benefits of gardening. Planting something, nurturing it,
and watching it turn into something beautiful or nourishing provides incredible reward for the soul. It creates a sense of pride and accomplishment.
And if you decide to build a vegetable garden, which can even be done in a small space with creative vertical containers, it’s an opportunity to not only grow food for your family, but the abundance can be shared with
neighbours and friends, which builds great community.
However you establish your new “normal,” do it with the intention to bring about a positive change.

Adrianne Szabo-Payne can be found at
Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness located
at 800 Islington Ave. As a certified
holistic nutrition and wellness
practitioner, her passion for helping
others find their path to wellness drives
her to bring unique tools and methods for
healing to her community. Connect with
us @monkeytreefitness on Facebook or
#monkeytreefitnesswellness on
Instagram, or on our website at
www.monkeytreewellness.com