Earth Day takes place on April 22 and is a global event that celebrates the beautiful planet where we live, recognizes ongoing environmental movements and reflects on how to better preserve our home.  

People across the world celebrate Earth Day by spending time outside and appreciating the unique environment in their community. For the month of April, we encourage you to spend more time outside, practice gratitude and strive for a vibrant lifestyle every day. 

Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy nature:  

• Borrow a book from the library and sit outside to read. 
• Take a walk in your local park or around your neighborhood. 
• Fill your residence with natural sunlight by opening your curtains or a window. 
• Participate in a walking club or outdoor activity. 
• Play a game like bridge, pickleball or mahjong on the porch with friends. 
• Eat lunch outside and enjoy feeling the sunshine on your face. 
• Go on a new outing and be adventurous. 
• Purchase a house plant or flowers to spruce up your space. 
• Enjoy a visit with family or friends in an outdoor space near you. 
• Watch a nature documentary or read a recent edition of National Geographic. 

Spending time outdoors and soaking up the sun has great benefits for overall wellness. Vitamin D comes from the sun and supports healthy bones and calcium levels, reducing inflammation and supporting healthy immune systems and metabolism.  

Other benefits of spending time outdoors include: 

• Improved mood and well-being 
• Aromatherapy benefits by engaging with smells of the environment 
• Reduced mental fatigue 
• Improved memory 
• Stress relief 

At Solstice, we are committed to supporting our residents and inspiring them to maintain vibrant lifestyles. We want our residents to be adventurous and try something new every day, to explore and experience all their community and world have to offer. Retirement should be a carefree lifestyle filled with fun, and we want to help make that possible. This month at Solstice, we are actively spending time outdoors and appreciating the world around us. Join us by doing the same in your community!