Spring Into Wellness: Embrace Movement and Nature

Margaret Hudson
President, Burnbrae Farms
4^th Generation Farmer

Staying active and eating well are key to reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. Drinking plenty of water, eating veggies and protein, staying active, and using a smartwatch to monitor my movement are some of the ways I stay on track. If I’m short on steps at the end of the day, I take my dog Willow for an extra-long walk to hit my goals.

Canadian guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each week, but don’t worry—you don’t have to do it all at once! Just 10-minute sessions of activities like walking, biking, or playing sports count.

If two and a half hours a week sounds overwhelming, start small. A 10-minute walk is a great first step. And here’s some good news: even a little movement helps! A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that just 11 minutes of exercise per day (about 75 minutes per week) can still lower disease risk. That’s just a couple of songs’ worth of dancing or 1,000 steps!

Pairing exercise with a balanced diet is the way to go. Try the Plate Model, based on Canada’s Food Guide — fill half your plate with fruits and/or veggies, a quarter with whole grains, and the rest with protein (my favourite is eggs of course!) or other sources like beef, pork, poultry, fish, dairy, tofu, or beans. Simple, doable, and great for your health!

But that’s not all. Spring is a time of renewal and when gardening hobbyists are their happiest, and with good reason; gardening is associated with numerous mental and physical health benefits.

Gardening isn’t just about growing plants—it’s a powerful way to boost your mental and physical well-being. Research shows that spending time in nature, especially through activities like gardening, can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve mood. In fact, a 2023 review in The Lancet found that “nature prescriptions,” which include gardening, are linked to lower depression and anxiety symptoms.

Beyond mental health, gardening is a solid workout. It’s a moderate-intensity activity that helps improve overall fitness, supports heart health, and even enhances cognitive function. Plus, staying active—whether digging, planting, or weeding—can lead to better sleep and reduced insomnia.

Gardening also encourages mindfulness. The repetitive motions and focus required help keep you present, lowering stress and boosting emotional resilience. And if you garden with others, the social aspect can further support mental and cognitive health.

Another big perk? Better eating habits. Gardeners tend to eat more fruits and vegetables—one study even found that they consume twice as much produce as non-gardeners!

So, whether you’re growing tomatoes on your balcony or tending a backyard plot, gardening offers a natural way to improve your health—mind, body, and plate!

With all the physical, mental, and emotional benefits gardening offers, it only makes sense to nurture your plants and soil in a way that supports their health.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, TERRABRAE™ Eggshell Soil Enhancer is an easy way to help your plants thrive. Made from finely ground eggshells (fun fact: each bag of TERRABRAE™ contains approximately 350 Burnbrae eggshells!), this egg-cellent soil enhancer enriches soil and supports healthy plant growth. TERRABRAE™ benefits gardeners of all kinds, from houseplant enthusiasts and lawn care lovers to home gardeners offering TLC to their garden beds. Simply add TERRABRAE™ to your soil, and watch your garden, plants, and lawn flourish.

Versatility at its best: TERRABRAE™ is perfect for seed starting—just mix it into the soil when planting seeds, whether indoors or outdoors. For garden and lawn care, apply it to annuals, perennials, or your lawn in early spring or late fall to promote strong roots and vibrant growth. And don’t forget about houseplants—add a little to their soil for robust roots and lush growth.

Using it couldn’t be easier! Simply sprinkle TERRABRAE™ into your garden, lawn, or potted plants, and let nature do the rest. You’ll start seeing results in as little as seven days.

By choosing products like TERRABRAE™, you’re not just growing stronger plants—you’re cultivating a space that nourishes your body, mind, and soul. So, dig in, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the countless rewards that come from tending to both your garden and your well-being!

Margaret Hudson

President & CEO, Burnbrae Farms