#MentalHealthMonday: Bushels of Fun!

It is surreal to think about how this is our second fall season spent in

the COVID-19 pandemic. This time last year some of us thought we were getting back to our regular activities slowly but perhaps indefinitely, yet here have been a couple of stay-at-home orders since. Today, we face a new set of rules, restrictions, and cannot say for sure what is to come, so we are going to focus on seizing the day by enjoying all the goodness and opportunities fall has to offer!

Seasonal Foods:

‘Tis the season of indulging in the harvest! From corn to squash to brussels sprouts there are many hearty fruits and vegetables widely available to us during the autumn months. Eating seasonally supports local businesses, can save you money, is better for our climate, and the quality of food is improved- providing a richer flavour and is loaded with more nutrients. Turn food shopping into an experience by procuring your own selection!

Apple picking

Brooks Farms

122 Ashworth Road Mount Albert, Ontario

Open daily 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Homestead Orchards

3961 Old Homestead Road Sutton, Ontario

Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Nature’s Bounty Farm

651 Scugog Line 2 Port Perry, Ontario

Open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pre-booking is required in advance online.

Pumpkin Picking

Cooper’s CSA Farm & Maze

266 Ashworth Road Zephyr (Sandford), Ontario

Open Thursdays and Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Forsythe Family Farms 2009 Inc.

1025 Cragg Road Greenbank, Ontario

Open Thursdays to Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Linton’s Farm Market

571 Raglan Road East Oshawa, Ontario

Open Mondays to Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m

Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Keep in mind, it is always a good idea to call before visiting to check the availability of Pick Your Own. Most farms only accept cash or debit. The last Pick Your Own time slot is typically one hour before closing.

For access to local, affordable, seasonal produce, check out our
Good Food Box, Dash & Dine, and Mobile Food Market!

Working Through Transformation:

We typically think of fall as a time of transition, and while it can be exciting, it is also normal to experience stress and anxiety as we approach the colder weather, pressures of the holidays, and returning to the demands of school and work. Therefore, it can be helpful to:

Set goals (to take control!): think about the results you want to see. Write them out to make them tangible, then brainstorm a plan of action to lay out the steps it will take to achieve them within a specific timeline. Join us this week to learn about how what we believe shapes our goals.
Spend time with others (to feel connected!): though it can be a busy time of year, remember to stay in touch with loved ones. It is important to foster relationships with those we can confide in, rely on for help, and to enjoy activities with.
Get outside (to reduce stress!): we are lucky that in Ontario we get to experience the season of autumn. There is nothing quite like the colours of the fall foliage, so take a walk in the woods, do lunch picnic-style, or have a bonfire to enjoy the fresh air.
Take rest days (to recharge!): with the heat it is challenging to feel cozy during the summertime, so take advantage of scented candles, warm blankets, and fuzzy socks to relax during a movie marathon or catching up with a good book.
Self-reflect (to gain perspective!): we can’t evaluate progress or growth if we forget to check-in with ourselves now and then. How are you feeling? What do you want to do more of? What are you proud of? How can you cope with stress?

Activities From home

Dress up for Halloween (any excuse to put on a costume!)
Bake (put those picked apples to good use!)
Cook (chili is a staple this time of year!)
Try out a Brock Township walking trail
Support a fundraiser like Fill A Purse or Warm Tootsies (ask us for more information!)
Carve pumpkins (how creative can you get?)
Make a hot beverage (apple cider anyone?)
Try something new (have you ever curated your own seasonal spice blend?)
Choose a craft (make your own fall themed home décor!)
Give thanks (start a gratitude journal!)