Imagine taking a walk in the forest right now. You feel the earth and leaves under your feet, the snap of twigs. You listen to the birdsong and look up through the breaks in the canopy to the sky above, noticing how the light filters through to a point just further along the path. You breathe in, deeply. You smell the distinct forest aromas: Moss, sap, earth and wood. You take it all in.
Nature has long been known to have a calming and rejuvenating effect on the mind and body. However, with the busy lives we lead, it can be hard to find the time to get out and explore the great outdoors. Luckily, something as simple as taking a walk in nature can have many benefits for our overall well-being and it has been shown to be more beneficial than walking in more built up urban areas, so where we choose to walk can make a big difference.
Mental Health Benefits Of Walking Outside:
Reduced Stress: It is well established that walking is a good stress reliever. When you are in a stressful situation and go for a walk, you’re more likely to feel calm, collected, and less anxious. Recent studies show that walking results in the release of chemicals (e.g. endorphins) in the brain that ease stress and benefit your mood.
Better Sleep:
Millions of people have difficulty sleeping and rely on all types of sleeping aids including medications, herbs, and supplements. In reality, one of the best ways to get good sleep every night is to walk regularly. Walking is a physical activity, but it also exhausts the mind. So after a long walk, you can rest assured that you will get good sleep.
Improved Mood: There is no doubt that if you walk regularly it will enhance your mood and lift your spirits. Many people report feeling elated and happy after a decent outdoor walk. Studies show that walking pushes your brain to release endorphins, which are known to help lighten your mood and build some positive emotions throughout your body. In addition, researchers reveal that regular walking outdoors also makes the individual feel calm and reduces levels of aggressiveness, hostility, and anger- all this results in reduced tension and an elevated mood.
Reduced Loneliness: If you spend a lot of time alone, you may find that walking with a friend or a group can help reduce the loneliness and isolation that comes with living the life of a single person. Walking outside gives you a chance to connect with someone else in a way that spending time with others engaged in different activities may not. Best of all, you might forget how far you’ve walked, giving you a few extra steps after each walk!
Stronger Creativity:
Walking outdoors also increases the flow of creative juices. When you are sitting at your desk, and you come up against a mental problem you just can’t tackle, it is time to take a walk. This physical activity can help you clear your mind and trigger new ideas. Researchers have noted that individuals who are constantly physically active tend to be more creative than those individuals who don’t move as much.
Increased Self-esteem And Confidence:
Need more reasons to go for a walk? When you walk outdoors regularly, you’re likely to experience a serious confidence boost! It can help you improve your body image, and when you feel like you look great, you act with more confidence. That push will help you tackle any challenges that come your way.
Fresh Focus:
Many studies now show that even a brief walk outside can rejuvenate or freshen the mind. People who take a break from work-related activities and walk outside have been found to have improved concentration, better focus, and are re-energised. Breathing in the fresh air and getting more blood to the brain during physical activity are more likely responsible for the enhanced rejuvenation of the brain
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