Two weeks ago, it snowed in Toronto. On Monday, the city was under a heat warning as temperatures soared to 30C. The sudden shift to summer — combined, no doubt, with lockdown fatigue — has propelled people into parks and green spaces en masse, with some flouting public health recommendations.

Richard Louv introduced the idea of “nature-deficit disorder” 15 years ago, suggesting that spending less time outdoors —and more time in front of screens — can contribute to health and emotional problems: difficulties with attention, obesity and other mental and physical health issues. It sounds a lot like what we’re experiencing during this coronavirus quarantine.

Today in The Conversation Canada, Deena Shaffer from Ryerson University writes about the relationship we have with the outdoors, and how green spaces can help us de-stress, heal and deal with life’s difficulties. Get outside, but remember to wear a mask and stay two metres apart.

Also today:

• Inquiry into coronavirus nursing home deaths needs to include discussion of workers and race
• Beyond the locker room: Coronavirus isolation is an opportunity to teach boys about toxic masculinity
• The coronavirus doesn’t exist in isolation — it feeds on other diseases, crises
• After coronavirus closures, reopening schools demands collaboration
• Why astronomers now doubt there is an undiscovered 9th planet in our solar system
• Mindy Kaling’s ‘Never Have I Ever’ makes me feel hopeful about representation, gender and race

Regards,