June is Recreation Month

The aim of JRM within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is “to increase awareness of the value that recreation/leisure facilities, programs, and services add to quality of life and operational support in the CAF community” (Recreation Programs, PSP).

Every year, there is a different theme to JRM, and this year, the JRM campaign focuses on the positive effects recreation has on mental health. Mental  health resources can be found on the Canadian Armed Forces site here

So, lace up those sneakers and head out for a run. Or grab the family (or the dog) and head out for a walk. Or take up a new fitness class. Or put on a yoga video in the quiet of your own home. Or join a recreational sport league.

Whatever physical activity you are into or you’d like to try, we’d love to hear about it. Leave us a comment below letting us know what works for you and your busy family. Or, tell us about the challenges you face as a military family finding time for physical activity. Encourage each other, too!

JRM would like to acknowledge Canadian Tire Corporation for its support of this year’s campaign.

Military families are invited to log on to www.cfmws.com/JRM to find out more information, read the ezine PLAY, and enter to win one of $1,000 gift cards from Canadian Tire. Note: You’ll  need your CF1 card to enter the contest.

You can also Like the Facebook Page here and participate in discussion all about recreation, fitness, and physical/mental health! This is my therapy is the tagline that is being used.

A reminder that, as a military member, veteran, or family of either, you have access to dfit.ca, an online resource that helps build your fitness programs for you. There’s a great exercise library of videos and exercises targeted for whatever your fitness goal is and what equipment you happen to have access to (and you don’t need specialized equipment to take advantage of some great toning and strengthening exercises). You can also build a meal plan, to. To watch an overview/demo on dfit, check out our virtual recordings.

We’re looking forward to hearing all about how you’re celebrating June is Recreation Month!