Many of us balk at the idea of exploring our own city. We would rather travel overseas in pursuit of new experiences. Despite that, our homes are worthy of exploration. In this post, we aim to tell you about the physical, mental, and societal benefits of exploring the beautiful city of Kamloops.
PHYSICAL
Have you heard the statement “health is wealth”? Our physical health is essential to our well-being, and key to a happy life. It is crucial to know the area you live in and get out in the community! From personal testimony, I moved to Kamloops 3 months ago. I had no idea what was in my community living here other than being close to Thompson Rivers University. Since moving here, I have discovered a passion for hiking, and Kamloops has been the perfect place to explore where I live! I notice that when I am having a rough day mentally, getting out and being active helps clear my head and calms me down. There is something to be said about getting out and being active, whether that is hiking the steep terrain of Battle Bluff or walking down the street from your house; it’s about finding something that you enjoy. Studies have shown that exercising in a green and natural environment will increase your emotional well-being. By walking in a green environment you are receiving higher mental benefits providing a stress-free space with cleaner air and satisfying the psychological necessity of human interaction with nature. This may also look like taking a walk in between classes on campus to clear your mind, and that is okay too! Main takeaway here is to get up, get outside and be active even if it is just for 15 minutes, your body will graciously thank you and so will your mental health. -Keely Wiebe
MENTAL
You can encourage your mental health benefits by acknowledging your home and exploring ways to find your place in the bigger picture. Find your favorite store for weekly grocery shopping, your favorite place to eat after a long day, or the cafe with the richest coffee to kick start your morning. Every place you visit has a deeper impact on you than you realize; you can involuntarily create a connection with a location from your personal interactions. Discover how returning to a specific place to reminisce or calm down can have a great impact on your mental and emotional well-being. You can improve your mental well-being by getting out and experiencing what your hometown has to offer. Kamloops is a small but still busy city and probably has something for you. The easiest way to feel at home is to find something or somewhere that connects you to the inner feeling of home. This home is not where you sleep or physically live, it is where we can feel safe, be ourselves, and have an opportunity to reach out to others. You will see the beneficial aspects of finding a place you belong and can thrive in no time. Step out of your comfort zone to experience something new; you may be surprised at how second nature it could become. For some people, their mental health feeds off of stability and comfort. Whereas others strive for spontaneity or discovery. Each person is unique in the way they sustain their mental health and well-being. Kamloops offers connections with nature, social crowds, or remote adventures; find your Kamloops.
By Cali Nessman
SOCIETAL
A key part of exploring your community is getting to know the people within it. Kamloops is not necessarily as busy as a city like Vancouver, however, it still has plenty to offer to each member of the community. Kamloops provides many activities for both residents and visitors looking to meet people and feel included in the community. These activities include hiking, biking, skiing, and many other outdoor activities. If you are looking for something more relaxed or indoors, Kamloops has multiple coffee shops, bars, and staple events like blazers games. By participating in these you can meet new people, share experiences, and also spend time with those you care about. The city of Kamloops is a very welcoming community and even just walking downtown you are guaranteed a smile from a passerby! For many of us, COVID-19 put a big damper on social interactions. Many people unconsciously rely on face-to-face interactions for their well-being and in the past few years, and these interactions have been very limited. School being back in person is huge for social interactions, especially at TRU. The university is by far the most diverse place in Kamloops. Walking around on campus or attending events you meet new people from all around the world and make lots of new and exciting connections, it is very inclusive and interactive! Kamloops is a humble, welcoming community that is very involved in the surrounding nature. Get outdoors, breathe some fresh air, and take in what Kamloops has to offer. – Jamari Tate
