It's a step towards happiness for James Pflueger.
For 90 consecutive days this winter, he has made a stop at a rink for a 20-minute skate part of his daily routine.
"I am feeling better about myself. Every time I go skating I feel better about myself," said Pflueger.
He hopes to skate for 100 days straight. Judging by the weather, the ice should stick around long enough for him to complete his goal.
But there's more on the line than sticking to his challenge.
Pflueger, 28, wants to keep up the streak in order to cope with depression and anxiety.
"I've felt it. I've definitely felt it in the past and staying active definitely helps," said Pflueger.
Psychologist Dr. Toby Rutner said exercise helps people struggling with mental health problems because it gives people a feeling of accomplishment.
"It keeps us from dwelling on the unpleasant thoughts and feelings of depression that keep us down," said Dr. Rutner.
He said exercise also produces endorphins and releases them into the blood stream giving the mind an emotional lift.
"For some people that might be sufficient to sort of prime the pump and they're okay after that," said Dr. Rutner.
For others, it may only provide a short-term boost.
Dr. Rutner suggests anyone dealing with long-term mental health challenges to seek professional help.
Friend and skating partner Michael Sawatzky said he's witnessed firsthand how skating has helped make a difference in Pflueger’s life.
"It's definitely kept his moral up for sure and I mean it's good for anyone," said Sawatzky.
Pflueger considers himself a beginner when it comes to skating. This challenge hasn't been easy, with the ups come the downs. He has fallen several times resulting in minor bumps and bruises.
But there have been no major injuries so he plans to keep on lacing up even after he completes the 100 days.
"If you got a streak, it's hard to stop," said Pflueger.
That’s until the ice melts and forces him to find happiness from doing a different activity.
