The Hub September 2014 | Page 14

The world can seem full of promise one day and full of unrelenting clouds the day after some time outside within two hours of getting up in the morning. Exercise regularly. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase seasonal affective disorder symptoms. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood. It seems incomprehensible that, considering the prevalence of mental illness, we struggle as a society to acknowledge its presence. Believing that by refusing to talk about it, we may somehow make it non-existent. Fortunately, the last several years have seen a marked increase in dialogue about the disease. Well-known public figures have acknowledged their struggles and made it okay for us to shine a light on the subject. Fundraisers have been launched to raise money for mental health related projects, public health dollars have been slated to provide help for sufferers and workplace initiatives have been put in place to prevent stress-related illnesses. As the leaves turn colour and the occasional crispness in the air promises a shift in the weather, don't be surprised if that shift means turning on the air conditioner one day and the furnace on the next. Similarly, the world can seem full of promise and adventure one day and full of unrelenting clouds the day after. All that is normal and even expected, especially considering the weather rollercoaster we've been on lately. But if the sun seems to come out less often, literally and metaphorically, and the desire to stay cocooned under the covers becomes a daily occurrence, it may be time to seek help. And while you're soldering through another season filled with as many clouds as falling leaves, it's good to remember that the sun is always shining just above them. Take a trip with us through history as we light up our lanterns + head off on a walking + canoeing adventure in River Canard. Listen to gruesome tales, mysterious happenings & scary events that have occured all around us as we travel the dark through cemeteries + paddle along the river. RIVER CANARD CANOE CO. Friday + Saturday + Sunday Nights from September 26 until Halloween 7 pm Reserve Tickets 519.978.3672 $25 Adult $20 for 16 yrs + under Must be 10 yrs + Weather not a factor PHANTOMS OF THE CANARD GHOST TOURS