With temperatures on the rise and the grass looking greener, it’s the perfect time of year to head outdoors. Not only to see spring in bloom but to protect your heart and mind.
It is well documented that walking is a beneficial exercise when it comes to heart health and maintaining memory. Some studies have shown that just 12 minutes of walking in greenery is enough to boost attentiveness, vigor, and self-confidence compared to sitting indoors.
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Dr. Saima Razak explained, “Walking reduces depression, boosts self-esteem, and improves overall body functions.”
Walking outdoors allows you to bring in cooler air and can help regulate and cool down brain temperature, which is much more pleasurable than having a warm brain. Additionally, deep breathing helps reduce stress, which we know to be a big threat to health.
Exercise has also been linked to reduced blood pressure, and these effects can be increased by exercising outdoors. Studies have shown being in nature can also reduce blood pressure.
Want to improve your mood too? Then head outdoors for a 30-minute walk, which has been linked with the release of feel-good endorphins. And when your mood is good, so is your health. You can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mind, so this is a win-win for sure.
Generally, regular walking is considered a good practice to maintain good health. Why not take the lovely springtime weather as the perfect opportunity to start your walking regimen? Better yet, you can get friends and family involved and make it a regular habit. That way, you will be passing on the benefits of walking to the ones you care about too.
Also read: Walking over 4,000 steps a day found to improve cognitive ability in adults 60 and older
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
