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Why Adults Should Play Every Day

Everyone knows that children and playtime go hand in hand. Recent studies have shown that play is an essential part of children’s mental development. Through free play, kids develop their language, vocabulary, social-cognitive, collaboration, generosity, and emotional intelligence skills. But it’s easy to forget that adults benefit greatly from play as well. If you can’t remember the last time you played just for fun, it might be time to put down that to-do list and head out for recess.

What is “Play” for Adults?

When we think about “playing,” adults often think of playgrounds or toys, but play for adults can mean many things: novelty, pleasure, exhilaration, mindfulness, laughter, or creativity.

Play is hugely beneficial for adults for so many reasons:

Physical play increases cardiovascular function, reduces stress hormones, and triggers the release of endorphins.
Laughter also releases endorphins and strengthens inter-personal relationships.
Playing at work increases productivity levels and fosters creative problem solving.
Social and group play wards off depression, improves brain health, and lowers your risk of developing age-related diseases like dementia.

Being a playful adult even makes you more attractive. How many people say “sense of humour” when asked what they look for in a mate? Nearly everyone.

Doing What You Love Will Feel Like Play

For adults, it’s not necessarily specific activities that count as play; it’s more about the way activities make you feel. If you love to do something and it makes you feel happy, exhilarated, or relaxed, it could be considered play.

If there’s a fun task at work that you can’t wait to get to every morning, that counts. If you love folding T-shirts and organizing them by colour KonMari style, you’re playing, my friend.

If you’re stuck for ideas, think about what your favourite things were as a kid.

Loved comics? Ask a librarian about the hottest new graphic novel series.
Miss your dance recitals? Take an adult beginner tap dance class.
Former dungeon master? We guarantee there is a great Dungeons and Dragons game happening at your neighbourhood gaming shop.
Miss hitting those home runs? Find a kickball league or coach a kids’ sports team.

As adults, we’re expected to be serious and responsible, but there’s no reason we have to be that way all the time. Don’t be ashamed to indulge in the adult version of something that used to bring you joy.

How to Add More Play to Your Life

Play doesn’t have to be a big commitment, either. There are countless ways to fit a little more play into your day that don’t take much time or money. For example:

Don’t eat lunch at your desk! Instead, grab a work friend and play cards or go for a walk around the block on your break.
Play with kids: get one to teach you how to play their favourite video game, or grab a handful of their Legos. (You remember Lego, right?)
Get a waterproof Bluetooth speaker and dance in the shower.
Do a crossword puzzle with your morning coffee instead of looking at your phone.
Show off some of your old Star Wars figurine collection on your desk at work.
Have breakfast for dinner.
Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while and relive a funny story. (No, texting doesn’t count.)
Learn how to tell a joke really well.
Doodle a colourful creation if you’re in a boring meeting or phone call.
Pledge to have a snowball fight with your family every time it snows.
Write a funny poem in a greeting card instead of just “Happy Birthday.”
Talk to strangers.
Enact a pro-high fives policy at your office.
Pet dogs. All the dogs.

How Much PlayDo You Need?

As adults, how much should we play? Experts say every day! It can be either a big life change, or a 5-minute recess, but whatever it is, it will be worth it for your health and happiness. And you remember what happened to Jack, right?

Looking to add some more fun and games into your life? LD makes it easy with a huge selection of board games, puzzles, adult colouring books, art supplies, video games, and more.

Beautiful Canada: 20 Winter Dog Photos to Warm Your Heart

The Canadian winter may be cold, but there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the season. Snow, rain, or brisk sunshine — there are loads of adventures to be had — especially if you have a dog!

What’s better than a cup of hot cocoa and good company on a long winter’s walk? Our beloved four-legged friends need their new year’s exercise as much as their humans do. Getting them outside, even in the depths of winter, isn’t just necessary, it’s fun!

To inspire you to explore our beautiful Canada, here are 20 winter dog photos to warm your heart, even when the mercury drops to below zero.

Are you getting out and enjoying the Canadian winter with your fur-baby? Follow us on Instagram and share your doggo photos using the hashtag #LondonDrugs!

1. Strawberry.and.orca

Exploring the snow and mountains in Lake Louise was never more inspiring. Get after it!

2. Boomeroomer

Sometimes the weather goes from -20 C with snow, to +10 C and sunshine. Either way, Comox Lake Bluffs Reserve makes the perfect backdrop for a walk with the pup!

3. Hcjohnstone

Whether you have two legs or four, there’s something refreshing about a fresh snowfall.

4. Yamathebordercollie

By the looks of things, these cute pups dove head first into a snowbank at Big White! We wonder if they know how to make snow angels?

5. Ellellellieee

We can’t. even. Who wants to romp around in the Edmonton snow with this one??

6. Rescuepep

She’s just begging to go explore Kananaskis country. And so are we. That view though!

7. Bright.n.pip

Sometimes it’s brisk enough just for a sweater! The mild temperatures in Vancouver at Barnet Marine Park – and cuteness of pupup – make the daily dog walk an easy choice.

8. Monatails

Could Mona get any more Canadian? In case you’re wondering, her team definitely won.

9. Clover_sonny_doodle_duo

It might be cloudy, but Sonny is showing us that even in cold weather, he’s happy to frolick in the Saskatchewan snow.

10. Milatherusticgolden

Ask young Mila from Montreal – snow tastes great!

11. Ivyinthewild

Ivy is curious about where you’re going to take her today. And so are we! There are so many places to explore in Canada – you never know what’s in store for the day.

12. Bluemerlegryphon

A snow-day soccer match? We’re in!

13. Binkythegoldie

Now this is our kind of camping! Good company, cozy spaces, and lots of furry friends!

14. Benson_doodle

Those booties though. Benson is all suited up for winter. Are you?

15. Melissa_vanmaanen

Sometimes just relaxing on the deck while enjoying the afternoon sunshine is the perfect way to “chill” on a Canadian winter day.

16. Jessicagiguerephotographe

A bit of winter style never hurt anyone. These two look ultra-chic for a snow playdate!

17. Felix.theaussie

Snowed in at the park never looked like so much fun… wait, is that a squirrel over there?

18. Milofordt

A winter day at the beach on Vancouver Island can still be a treat even when summer has long since passed. Sunshine, fresh water, Milo. What’s not to love?

19. Nova_theprettypitty

Sweater weather more than winter weather… or so she’d have us believe.

20. Leovanjecek

Just because it’s a snow day doesn’t mean everyone has to stay inside! Taking the dog out with the family is the perfect way to inspire new memories and their sense of adventure.

How are you enjoying the Canadian winter with your four-legged best friend??

Share your Beautiful Canada + doggo inspiration and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube !

This New Photolab Service Can Help Archive All Your 35mm Slides!

Did you know heat and humidity can destroy your slides over time? Whether you still love to shoot with slide film, or have just uncovered some dusty old boxes full of slides, those pictures matter. It’s important to keep them safe. After all, those slides hold the memories of loved ones, and those memories are your family legacy!

You may already be familiar with our Photo Scanning Box service, which helps you to digitize up to 800 of your old photos and documents. It makes preserving your old photos incredibly easy! Now, we want to help you preserve your slides too. We are excited to soon be launching an all-new Slide Scanning Box service, which can preserve up to 140 (35mm) of your slides at a time, from damage and degradation!

Here’s how it works:

Take our FREE Slide Scanning Box and fill it with 35mm slides only (you can even put the whole carrousel slide tray in the box!)
Return the box to your local London Drugs Photolab and we’ll digitize your 35mm slides. Up to 80 slides is $100.00*, and additional slides are $1 each*
Your treasured slides will be returned to you along with all the digital files on one or more USB flash drives.

*Payment is required at the time of drop off. Price is subject to change.

Once your slide photos are digitized, they will not only be preserved in case of damage to the originals, but now you will be able to easily access those precious photos and share them with love ones in all kinds of creative ways. Just visit our Photolab to see how we can help turn your photos into photo books, cards, calendars and more! We can even create stunning wall décor from those slide photos, from aluminum metal panels and fine art bamboo prints to canvas gallery wraps.

For more details on our Slide Scanning Box (coming soon!), visit us in the London Drugs Photolab in-store.

Canada’s Best Spots for Winter Photography

From British Columbia to New Brunswick, Canada has loads to offer when it comes to spectacular locations for photography, and winter brings in an added bonus – snow covered landscapes! From popular destinations like Niagara Falls to some of the lesser explored sites, our LDExperts in the Photolab have rounded up some of the best places you can visit this winter to capture some great shots worth printing.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Photo by @cadestewart

Vancouver Island may be notorious for its mild winters, but there are quite a few locations that offer beautiful photography landscapes in the winter. With views ranging from frosty beaches in Tofino and Victoria, to snow-covered mountains in Comox Valley, Vancouver Island is definitely a photographer’s paradise this time of year.

Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Photo by @just__karl

While most Canadians planning a “winter national park vacation” in the Rockies tend to focus on Banff Alberta, neighboring Yoho National Park in British Columbia is highly overlooked even though its scenery rivals that of other Rocky Mountain National Parks in Canada.

Yoho National Park is located just a short 10 minute drive from Lake Louise in neighbouring Alberta, or via the town of Golden on the other side of the park offers beautiful photography spots around every corner. A few popular spots include Emerald Lake Lodge, Hamilton Falls which has a frozen waterfall, Lake O’Hara and the Elizabeth Parker Hut, and the breathtaking Wapta Falls.

Churchill, Manitoba

Photo by @andre.brandt

Churchill, an isolated town on Manitoba’s northern Hudson Bay coastline, is a magnet for photographers looking to capture polar bears and more importantly, the northern lights. Churchill is located directly beneath the Auroral Oval making it one of the best places on Earth to witness Mother Nature’s light show. The northern lights (aurora borealis), peak from January to March but is also visible on clear nights all year round.

While out capturing this shot, photographer Andre Brandt shares his experience: “Three days after the 2017 ‘Blizzard of the Century’ in Churchill, Manitoba I took the opportunity to go out and capture the aftermath. I didn’t have to go far to see the beautifully carved snow drifts from the 100km/hr winds we endured for days on end. These particular drifts, on the Churchill River, were almost as hard as concrete. With the sun setting it provided nice side light to really enhance the details and veins in the snow. Despite the -40C temp this day I’m sure glad I trekked out to capture a few shots of these drifts.”

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Photo by @sakithranaweera

Niagara Falls in summer is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. But visiting in winter is a whole different experience altogether. Winter brings an added dimension of beauty to Niagara Falls and this natural wonder transforms into a frozen landscape unlike any other. The mist from the falls combined with the ice-cold winds of winter spray the nearby ornamental walls, lamp posts, trees and buildings, creating lovely frozen ice sculptures. The Winter Festival of Lights which takes place from early November till the end of January is also a great time for photography enthusiasts to capture some vibrant colorful shots. The festival boasts over two million lights and over 125 animated light displays along the Niagara Parkway.

Arrowhead Provincial Park, Ontario

Photo by @trail_bound

A few miles from Toronto is the picturesque Arrowhead Park not only famous for its adventure sports but also its beautiful landscapes. Photographer Mike (@trail_bound) captured this picture while looking for snowy landscapes close to Toronto, “All we’ve been getting in the Toronto area is rain for the past month, so we headed 3 hours north to Arrowhead Provincial Park to see some real winter! This is the point where a small flowing river empties into the frozen Arrowhead Lake.”

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Photo by @tynskiphoto

From the rolling mountain range in the Cape Breton Highlands to the fields in the Annapolis Valley to the many lighthouses that dot the coastline, Nova Scotia is certainly a photographer’s dream. Hiking in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Franey Trail is sure to result in some breathtaking photographs. A visit to Nova Scotia’s most photographed lighthouse Peggy’s Cove, and the quaint fishing village are definitely also a must!

Newfoundland

Photo by @thecovegirl

Photographer Nikita (@thecovegirl) shares her experience shooting in Newfoundland in the winter: “Fishing sheds are a big part of the Newfoundland culture. These sheds are not only for storing fishing gear and tools, but it is often a place of solitude, catching up with friends, and an occasional drinking, singalong, accordion playing dance party. Although they are rarely used in winter, you can’t help but notice these colourful sheds in the midst of a cold winter’s day. Standing on the road side, with my tripod and Canon in hand, under a surreal dusky moon sky, mixed in with some wild weather and crashing waves, reminded me of how beautiful the winter season truly is. The moon was just a reminder that another day was over, soon summer would be here, and the fishing shed would be back in full swing. But for now, I was discovering the beauty of winter.”

Canada has some of the best locations for winter photography irrespective of which end of the country you live, so where will you be heading this winter? And with the ease of our in-store kiosks, the London Drugs Photolab App for iOS and Android, or our website, you can select from multiple print options for your best frosty photographs! Turn your pictures into stunning wall decor, a case for your electronics or even customize a 2019 calendar for your work desk! Don’t forget to check out our winter photography tips before you head out on your next photo adventure!

It’s time to unwind and refresh with our Wahl Massager Contest

Enter for a chance to WIN 1 of 5 Wahl Heat Therapy Massagers!

To enter – like the post on Facebook and/or Twitter and share – Tell us your favourite way to relax

Contest Rules:

1) No purchase necessary. Limit one (1) entry per social network per contest. Limit one (1) prize may be won per household. Entries must be received no later than 11:59 pm Pacific Time on January 20, 2019. London Drugs is not responsible for entries that become lost or misdirected.

2) Contest is open to all residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who, as of the date the prize draw is made: (i) have not won a London Drugs contest since January 15, 2018; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as at January 15, 2019 (iii) are not employees of London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization (if any), or any family member living with any such employee.

3) The winners will be randomly chosen on the day the contest ends (see dates below) in Vancouver, British Columbia, from all eligible entries received per contest. To win, selected entrants must have correctly answered the skill-testing mathematical question on the entry form and must sign London Drug’s declaration and release confirming compliance with the contest rules and acceptance of the prize(s) as awarded, releasing London Drugs from liability in association with the contest and prize and consenting to the use of their name, photograph, voice and statements for promotional and publicity purposes.

4) There will be 5 prizes awarded: each receiving ONE Wahl Heat Therapy Massager Prize Pack, worth approximately $45. Prize(s) must be accepted as awarded, are non-transferable and no substitutions are permitted. London Drugs reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value should any prize become unavailable for any reason. Prize will be awarded at the closest London Drugs location to the winner.

Contests dates: January 15, 2019 – January 20, 2019
Draw Date: 12:00 PM Pacific Time Monday, January 21, 2019

5) Selected entrants will be contacted by email, or social network they were drawn from. No correspondence will be entered into except with selected entrants. If the winner does not respond then she/he will be notified for the second time, 2 (two) days after the first notification. If the winner still does not respond within 2 days of the second notification, a new winner will be chosen in the same manner until a winner is successfully contacted.

6) The chances of winning a prize will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Decisions of the judges in respect of all aspects of this contest including, but not limited to, eligibility of entries and correctness of answers given to the skill-testing question, are final.

7) London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization, and their respective agents are not liable to an entrant in any manner relating to the contest or the awarding and use of the prize(s).

8) This contest is subject to all federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations. By entering the entrant consents to the collection of all personal information included on their entry and agrees to the use and disclosure of such information by and between London Drugs and their agents. The winner(s) also agrees to the collection, use and disclosure of their name, entry, photographs, voice and statements for London Drugs’ publicity purposes without further compensation. All personal information collected from entrants will be used only for the purposes of administering the contest and for marketing and promotional purposes as contemplated by these rules; under no circumstances will any personal information be sold or rented to third parties. All personal information collected by London Drugs will be kept in accordance with the privacy policy of London Drugs, which can be viewed at www.londondrugs.com, and in accordance with all applicable privacy laws.

9) The right is reserved by London Drugs to terminate this contest, in whole or in part, and/or modify, amend or suspend the contest, and/or these rules in any way, should any cause beyond the reasonable control of London Drugs or its agents affect the proper administration thereof.

STATEMENT OF DECLARATION AND RELEASE

All selected entrants will be required to sign the Statement of Declaration and Release attached before they can be declared a winner and receive a contest prize.

How to Change Your Bad Habits This Year

We are creatures of habit. We follow the same routines over and over again because it’s easy, it’s comfortable, and it’s often automatic. When habits become ingrained, we barely even think about the actions we’re taking.

This is great if our habits are good for us. But we all have bad habits we repeat consistently, too — not enough exercise, too much screen time, not enough healthy food, too much sugar, not enough rest, too much work, etc.

Once a habit is ingrained, it’s hard to turn it around. Transforming bad habits into good ones takes time, commitment, and patience. Following these steps will make the process a little easier.

Step 1: Start Small

Don’t try to change many habits at once; the difficulty may be insurmountable. Start with one habit and stick with it for 30 days. When it becomes routine and you find yourself doing it automatically, then add in another one.

Start with something small and relatively simple, like replacing your second cup of coffee with a glass of water in the morning, or spending 20 minutes of your lunch hour walking outside. Starting with something small and easy increases your chances of success and will put you in a positive mindset for tackling tougher habits.

Step 2: Know Your Triggers

Understand what triggers your bad habit. Do you eat chips every time you sit down to watch TV? Do you bite your nails when you talk on the phone? Do you drink coffee whenever you’re feeling sluggish?

Knowing what triggers your bad habit allows you to create a plan to help prevent you from engaging in it when the trigger strikes. So, for example, you could keep a bowl of fruit next to the TV, have something to keep your hands busy when you’re talking on the phone, or plan to get up and do some jumping jacks when you’re feeling sluggish.

Step 3: Replace the Bad Habit with a Good One

For every bad habit you want to eliminate, find a good habit to replace it, and make it easy to engage in that habit. For example, say you want to stop snacking on chips; have a healthy snack like a handful of almonds or some chopped up veggies all ready and easy to grab. The impulse to eat will still be there and you can act on it in a healthier way.

Step 4: Be Consistent for 30 Days

They say it takes 20 to 30 days to really cement a new habit, and that’s with consistent practice. The more you practice the new habit, the faster it will become, well, a habit. It will get a little bit easier each time, until one day you’ll do it without even realizing that you have.

Step 5: Use Distractions When You Have Cravings

Habits that are well-ingrained will come with strong physical urges or cravings. Whatever you do, don’t give in to those urges. Ride them out by distracting yourself or using positive self-talk.

Most urges will only last a few minutes before fading away. Resist them and you’re that much closer to creating your new habit.

Step 6: Accept Failure but Don’t Let it Stop You

It’s almost inevitable that you’ll fail at least once when working on replacing a bad habit. It’s only natural to revert to what we’re used to — especially when we’re tired, stressed, or hungry.

Don’t let a lapse in willpower prevent you from forging ahead with your goal. Get back on the wagon and keep going. You’ll soon get there, and you’ll feel so good when you do!

Looking for more healthy habits inspiration and support? Come talk to an expert at the LD Pharmacy anytime.

Bring on the Bubbles — It’s National Bubble Day!

The New Year can bring with it a dose of harsh reality after the holidays: back to early morning wake-ups, daily routines, and a definite lack of seasonal sparkle. But here’s a fun antidote: National Bubble Day!

If your holiday bubble has burst, National Bubble Day is the perfect opportunity to give yourself permission for a little fun and pampering. Frankly, we’re in favour of self-care any day of the week, so if you could use a holiday to recover from the holidays, bring on the bubbles and have some fun.

Lather Up!

A sudsy soak is more than a simple sanitary escape. It’s almost like doing a workout! Research has actually shown that a hot bath helps to burn calories and regulate blood sugar. So grab some soap or bubble bath and lather up!

Try this super fun ice cream soap or opt for something a little more luxurious.

Shop our full selection of bar soaps, bodywash and bubble bath products.

Blowing Bubbles

Babies love bubbles as much (if not more) than adults, so get them in on the bubble action with a bubble bath of their own or a bottle of bubbles to blow.

Try Burt’s Bees Bubble Bath or Attitude Baby Leaves Natural Bubble Wash for bubbles that are gentle on baby’s skin.

Shop our full selection of baby bath products.

Let Your Cup Bubble Over

It’s common knowledge that drinking water is crucial for optimal health, but plain old water can get a little boring.

Bubbles to the rescue!

Add a little sparkle to your water with a SodaStream.

Did you know that drinking carbonated water has health benefits that range from improved digestion to increased cognitive performance?

And making your own sparkling water at home also helps the environment and your wallet!

Shop our full selection of SodaStream products and find your favourite flavour.

Pop the Bubble

Take a trip down memory lane with a good old fashioned pack of bubble gum. You’ll feel like a kid again blowing giant bubbles (and picking sticky gum off your face). Go ahead, we dare you.

Shop our full selection of candy.

Happy National Bubble Day!