We all know that exercise is important, but sometimes it’s hard to find the time or motivation to do it. One of the best exercises you can do is walking, and it doesn’t require a lot of time or special equipment.
In fact, you can even do it right from your own backyard! Walking has many benefits for your health, including improving your mood, reducing stress levels, and helping you lose weight. In this article, we will discuss why taking walks outside can change your life for the better.
Top Benefits of Taking Walks Outside
There are many benefits to walking outdoors. In fact, research has shown that there are numerous physical and mental health perks to spending time outside. Here are just a few of the top reasons to lace up your sneakers and head outside!
#1 – Reduces stress levels
One of the top benefits of walking outdoors is that it can help to reduce your stress levels. Walking has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. In addition, being outdoors in nature has also been linked to lower stress levels and improved moods. So, if you’re feeling stressed out, take a walk outside! You just might find that it helps to clear your head and improve your mood.
#2 – Makes you happier
In addition to reducing stress, taking walks outdoors can also make you happier. Studies have found that being in nature can boost your mood and improve your overall sense of well-being. Walking isn’t just good for your mental health, it’s also good for your physical health. Walking is a great form of exercise that can help to improve your cardiovascular health, increase your stamina, and strengthen your muscles. And the best part is that it’s low-impact, so it’s easy on your joints!
#3 – Lowers your risk of depression
Walking outdoors has also been shown to lower your risk of depression. One study found that people who walked for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, had a significantly lower risk of developing depression than those who didn’t walk. Walking can also help to improve your sleep quality, which can further reduce your risk of depression.
#4 – Keeps your heart healthy
Walking is a great form of cardio exercise, which is important for keeping your heart healthy. Walking can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and it can also help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Walking is also a great way to improve your fitness level, which can further reduce your risk of heart disease.
#5 – Improves your brain functioning
Walking can also help to improve your brain function. One study found that older adults who walked for at least 40 minutes three times per week had better brain function than those who didn’t walk. Walking can also help to improve your memory and cognitive function.
#6 – Prevents Alzheimer’s and dementia
Walking can also help to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. One study found that people who walked at least six miles per week had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who didn’t walk. Walking can also help to improve your brain function and reduce your risk of developing dementia.
#7 – Keeps you energized
Walking can also help to keep you energized. One study found that people who walked for at least 30 minutes per day had more energy than those who didn’t walk. Walking can also help to improve your overall fitness and reduce your risk of fatigue.
#8 – Improves creativity
Walking can also help to improve your creativity. There’s a reason why people say “stop and smell the roses.” When you take a break to enjoy nature, it can actually help improve your creativity. In fact, research shows that spending time outside can benefit your brain in numerous ways. A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that walking in nature or even viewing pictures of nature can boost creativity by 50 percent.
#9 – Lowers risk of diabetes
In a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was found that walking at a moderate pace for about 30 minutes every day lowered the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 31 percent. Researchers believe that brisk walking also helps to control blood sugar levels and promote weight loss, which are both important factors in preventing diabetes.
#10 – Helps with digestion
Walking helps to move food and waste products through the intestines, which can prevent constipation and other digestive problems. According to a study, walking outdoors is beneficial for digestion. Researchers found that those who walked outside had better digestion than those who walked indoors. The study participants who walked outside also had reduced stress levels and felt more enthusiastic about life. Walking also helps to reduce bloating and gas.
#11 – Strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis
Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, which means it helps to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. According to a study, postmenopausal women who walked 30 minutes a day, five days a week for 12 months had increased bone density in their hip and spine. Walking is also linked to a lower risk of hip fractures. A study of over 300,000 women found that those who walked more than four hours per week had a 41% lower risk of hip fractures than those who didn’t walk at all.
Conclusion
Taking a break to walk outside can boost your creativity, productivity, and mood. If you’re feeling bogged down or stuck in a rut, try taking a brisk walk outside for inspiration. The next time you have an important decision to make or need to come up with a new idea, take a walk outside and see what happens. The fresh air and natural scenery can give your brain the boost it needs to start generating new ideas and get back on track.
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