Walking outdoors in nature is one of the best practices for improving both physical and mental health. During some of life’s toughest moments, I found solace in taking long walks through the park, basking in the solitude and the sweet, subtle sounds of nature. The act of walking provides countless health benefits, from promoting weight loss to improving cardiovascular health and more. Taking that walk outdoors, however, can be even more beneficial. Research has found that strolling through the park, hiking in the mountains, or even walking along the beach can be great ways to promote physical health while boosting mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Here are some of the scientifically-backed mental health benefits of walking outdoors. Why Walking Outdoors is UniqueWhile walking in general is beneficial for our health, walking outdoors has added benefits. When we walk in nature, we engage our senses. Think of the sensation of hearing birdsong or smelling fresh pine trees, or even feeling sand between your toes. For a moment, we’re breathing fresh air and connecting deeply with the world around us. This reduces our stress and helps to calm the mind, among a number of other health benefits. The practice of “forest bathing”, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is actually used as a form of preventative healthcare in Japan. Japanese researchers have found that this act of immersing oneself in nature improves sleep, improves focus, reduces stress, and boosts mood. Countless studies have found that all forms of “green” exercise, including walking, have been shown to improve mental health. In fact, you don’t even necessarily have to be outside in nature to reap its benefits. One particular study found that volunteers who walked on a treadmill while watching pleasant nature scenes showed stronger improvements to their blood pressure and mood compared to those who did not. Additionally, if your preferred natural setting is more “blue” than “green”, research has also found that the most beneficial effects of walking outdoors comes from walking near large bodies of water. Walking Outdoors For Depression And AnxietyScience has also shown that walking in nature quiets the mind. Rumination, which is the term for repetitive and persistent negative thoughts, is a feature of both anxiety and depression. After a 90-minute walk in nature, participants in a study reported that they had less negative thoughts. Even more fascinating is the fact that when tested, the parts of the brain that are responsible for rumination were found to have decreased activity. Participants who simply walked in an urban setting did not have these same results. Additional Benefits of Walking Outdoors
How To Maximize The Benefits Of Walking Outdoors
Walking outdoors in nature is a powerful, accessible way to support mental health. If you’re looking to boost your mood, a walk in nature offers a simple and holistic solution. By integrating outdoor walks into your routine, you can take advantage of the healing power of nature and exercise for lasting mental well-being. Resources
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AuthorNiv Mullings is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Weight Loss Specialist from the Bronx, New York, currently residing in Jacksonville, Florida. After years of struggling with obesity, anxiety, depression, painful menstruation, and other chronic health complaints, Niv changed her life for the better through fitness and a healthy plant-based diet. Now she helps others to do the same. Archives
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