Spring into Wellness: 5 Activities to Boost your Mental Health
May 5, 2025
Found in Community, General, Mental Health, Workout to Conquer Cancer
Spring is the perfect time to focus on your mental well-being, especially as we celebrate Mental Health Week (May 5-11). Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve your mood or simply recharge, these five simple spring activities can help boost your mental health and wellness.
Gillian Roberts running in the Vancouver Sun Run
Get Moving
Physical activity is good for both your body and mind. Regular exercise lowers your risk for cancer, while also helping your body release endorphins which reduce stress.
Three-time ovarian cancer survivor Gillian Roberts ran to cope during her cancer journey, stating that she finds her “peaceful place” in long-distance running. She combines her passion for physical fitness with philanthropy and has been participating in various BC Cancer Foundation fundraisers including Workout to Conquer Cancer.
Adele Cave and her husband enjoy the garden she planted while recovering from colon cancer.
Connect with Nature
Being in the great outdoors can be calming and can help us reconnect with the present moment. Consider spending time in a local park, gardening or simply sitting under a tree and listening to the birds.
Qualicum Beach photographer Adele Cave recovered from her colon cancer journey with the help of a garden. After finding a deep sense of peace in Victoria’s many rose gardens during her treatments, Adele started working on her own garden and photographing the frogs that began inhabiting it.
Rohan and Dalerina D'Silva showing off their amazing Bollywood moves.
Try Something New
Spring is a time of growth and transformation, so why not try something new? There’s no better time to broaden your horizons and take up an activity you’ve always wanted to try, like exploring a new sport or learning a new creative skill.
Rohan D’Silva grew up in India and was introduced to Bollywood dance early on, eventually working with some of the industry’s biggest stars. For him, the lively dance style is more than exercise — it’s a form of storytelling and a celebration of culture and community. Today, Rohan and his wife Dalerina teach Bollywood dance through Shiamak Canada. They encourage people looking for a new challenge during Workout to Conquer Cancer to try one of their Bollywood dance classes.
Dr. Roy Jackson with his granddaughter, Bella.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
Quality time with friends and family can make you feel supported and help boost your mental wellness. Plan a picnic, go for a walk together or simply catch up over a cup of coffee.
Cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments provided Dr. Roy Jackson with a lifeline after being diagnosed with melanoma, allowing him to enjoy more time with his family. This includes his young granddaughter, Bella, who Roy says is “just a joy.”
Baljit Dhillon on a walk with his beloved wife, Jagir.
Pay It Forward
Be the change you want to see in the world. Helping others can increase feelings of connection and purpose. You can volunteer, raise funds for a local cause, make a donation or do something small like help a neighbour.
Baljit Dhillon has been impacted by cancer more than once — both his parents had cancer and he faced colon cancer in 2022. Throughout these challenging times, his family remained dedicated to supporting the BC Cancer Foundation. Baljit continues this legacy by making regular donations and including the Foundation in his will.
Make a Positive Impact
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