Hanging out in nature has an undeniably relaxing effect on the human mind and body. During this uncertain time with Covid19 causing a lot of anxiety and fear, simply going for walk can help bring a little calm into our lives and keep us healthy. I should quickly mention how healing the sun ( vitamin D) is…please go out and enjoy the sun, its free and you don’t have to do much to be able to enjoy it. Walking outside, sitting on your porch or balcony or simply laying out in a field are all great ways to get some sun, 30-40 minutes is a good amount of time to spend in the sun, and if you’re prone to burning, wear some sunscreen.
It’s no surprise how little things like walking in a field full of flowers or simply watching a sunset are the simple things in life that people stand in awe in of. When I see a sunset, a rainbow , a mountain peak or even the beauty of snow when it first hits the ground, I’m reminded of this scripture:
In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.The sea is His, for he made it, and His hands formed the dry land.
Psalms 95:4-5 NKJV
This is a sure reminder that God created nature, along with the soothing effect on us. Let’s get into the reasons to walk in nature everyday.
1.Improves anxiety levels
Studies have shown that there are short term results from just simply being in nature and exercising in nature has long term results. Even in the winter months walking can be soothing, and actually very relaxing. I found that when I would exercise or simply just walk in a park surrounded by greenery and even small bodies of water, I would immediately feel calmer, and my anxiety (and chest pain) levels would stop.
2. Improves mood
Ever seen someone go for a walk after a heated argument and come back in a calmer mood? Or someone who feels sad? This is because walking in nature improves the mood and releases endorphins that help stress hormones and also mild depression temporarily. Speed walking releases even more endorphins.
3. Improves Cardiovascular function
Heart attacks and strokes can be reduced by simply just walking 30 minutes a day ( just 30! No excuses! ). Walking lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the good cholesterol (HDL) levels. “Increasing the amount of vegetation in a neighborhood may be an unrecognized environmental influence on cardiovascular health,” said lead author Aruni Bhatnagar, professor of medicine at the University of Louisville. He called such an effort “a potentially significant public-health intervention.”
Get moving today! It will only benefit you!
Be well,
Lex