9 reasons to add walking to your workout routine
I’m sure you don’t need us to tell you how much goodness you can get from going outside, particularly during lockdown. BUT WE WILL ANYWAY!
Because there is all kinds of scientific evidence to back it up, which makes it FACT.
Whether it’s a stroll through town, sitting in the garden, walking the dog or a boozy afternoon by the river… You will reap the benefits of nature in more ways than you realise. So, no matter it’s glorious sunshine or grey day, try to motivate yourself to get up and out at some point and enjoy the world around you.
An adventure? Alpaca my bags.
Here are just a few of the amazing advantages we receive from the world outside…
1. BEING OUTDOORS BOOSTS YOUR ENERGY.
Craving another cup of coffee? Maybe you should skip the caffeine and sit outside instead. One study suggests that spending 20 minutes in the open air gives your brain an energy boost comparable to one cup of Joe.
2. NATURAL SUNLIGHT HELPS MITIGATE PAIN.
In one study, surgery patients who were exposed to high-intensity sunlight reported less stress and marginally less pain, and therefore took less pain medication.
3. THE OUTDOORS BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.
Scientists think that breathing in phytoncides—airborne chemicals produced by plants—increases our levels of white blood cells, helping us fight off infections and diseases.
4. THE OUTDOORS PROVIDES YOU WITH FREE AROMATHERAPY.
According to science, you really should stop and smell the flowers. Research shows that natural scents like roses, freshly cut grass, and pine make you feel calmer and more relaxed.
5. THE OUTDOORS ENHANCES CREATIVITY.
If you’re struggling with writer’s block, you might want to ditch your laptop for the great outdoors. Psychologists found that backpackers scored 50 percent higher on creativity tests after spending a few days in the wild sans electronics.
6. THE OUTDOORS HELPS WITH SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER.
In the winter, shorter days and lower light levels can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD—a reoccurring condition that’s marked by symptoms of anxiety, exhaustion, and sadness. Doctors say spending time outside can lessen SAD’s severity—even if the weather’s cold or overcast.
7. BEING OUTDOORS GIVES YOU YOUR DAILY DOSE OF VITAMIN D.
Vitamin D is essential for a well-functioning body. It helps us absorb calcium, it prevents osteoporosis, and it reduces inflammation, among other things. Although vitamin D is present in some foods, like salmon and fortified milk, we get more than 90 percent of our vitamin D from casual exposure to sunlight.
8. THE OUTDOORS RESTORES YOUR FOCUS.
Can’t concentrate at work? Leave your office for a few minutes and go stroll in a nearby park. Studies show that walking in nature helps restore our focus.
9. THE OUTDOORS MAKES US BETTER PEOPLE.
According to psychologists, exposure to nature helps us shrug off societal pressures, allowing us to remember and value more important things like relationships, sharing, and community.
If you’re still reading this and you haven’t already run for the hills then I suggest you get your shoes (or sandals) on! There’s a whole world out there, go explore!
Big love,
Sara & Alice xx
