Walking outside may be the answer if you feel stuck in a rut with your mental health. While it may seem too good to be true, research has shown that walking outdoors can have more mental health benefits than walking indoors. From improved concentration skills to increased confidence levels and even lower stress hormones, the results are clear: Mother Nature is key when it comes to looking after our well-being. Let’s take a closer look at how that works.
Throughout history, research has shown that regular exercise can provide both mental and physical health benefits for most people. But there has been little evidence showing if exercising in some environments compared to others is more or less beneficial. To help address this gap, researchers designed a study to include 30 college student volunteers.
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The new study from researchers at the University of Victoria was published in the journal Scientific Reports. For the study, a group of participants was asked to walk indoors or outdoors, and each was tested before and after their walk. Each participant took two 15-minute walks either inside or outside. They all had electroencephalography exams before and after each walk. Brain activity linked to memory and attention was also measured using standard visual oddball tasks on an iPad. To find if walking impacted mental performance, researchers used grades on the oddball task and changes in neural response measured during the electroencephalography exams.
It was found that those who walked outside had changes in amplitudes, which measures the neural response. These changes were represented by increases previously shown to indicate heightened attention and better memory skills.
The study concluded that people could gain more mental health benefits or cognitive function if they walk outside rather than taking a walk indoors. Researchers do warn this study was limited, so larger experiments may be needed to confirm findings.
Walking inside or outside has been previously found to be beneficial for overall general health.
It is an effective and inexpensive way to get a good workout, as walking requires nothing more than comfortable walking shoes and your own two feet. Health benefits of walking include improved heart health and lung function, increased energy levels, better mood and concentration, reduced risk of chronic health issues such as diabetes and cancer, as well as improved posture and balance. Walking is convenient, accessible, and low-impact – making it the perfect exercise for people of all ages. So give walking a go – you won’t regret it!
Getting Essential Vitamins and Nutrients
Along with exercise such as walking, the body needs certain vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy. Mental and physical health can depend on getting the right combination of these vitamins and nutrients.
For example, stress and other mental health issues can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function. The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This unique formula helps to boost circulation, fight free radicals, and provide nutritional support to assist with brain function.
To help ensure your diet is complete, 65+ Superfood Essentials is an excellent addition to a daily supplement regime. This breakthrough formula is a great way to support and promote cardiovascular and overall health. It contains Capros®, a patented and clinically studied Indian gooseberry extract that has been found to absorb free radicals and provide cascading antioxidants. Acai berry (the powerful natural antioxidant known to support total health) and resveratrol, a premier anti-aging ingredient, are also found in this formulation that can help ensure proper nutrients and vitamins essential as you age.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
