How to live healthy lifestyle
This article is about how to live healthy and peaceful life with its easy-to-follow format, promoting walking as a simple, effective way to improve both mental and physical health.
The Perfect Fitness Routine: No Gym Required
Many of us search for the ideal fitness routine – one that fits into a busy schedule, requires minimal equipment, and doesn’t demand too much energy. Well, the search might just be over. Imagine an exercise that doesn’t need a gym kit, can be done at any time of day, and provides both mental and physical health benefits. Best of all, it lasts long after the activity is over.
A Routine That Benefits Mind and Body
This magical workout is simple: walking. You don’t need to hit the treadmill either. In fact, you’ll gain more by stepping outside. According to Suzy Reading, a chartered psychologist and author of Self-Care for Winter, walking outdoors provides the greatest rewards. The key is doing it in a natural environment.
Why Walking Outside is a Full-Body Workout
Physically, walking outside works a variety of muscle groups. However, the real benefit comes from being in nature. Just 20 minutes outdoors can have lasting mental health effects. Suzy explains that nature has a proven impact on how the brain functions, especially when it comes to stress and anxiety.
“By having access to some trees, birds, and sky, you are dialing down the active part of the brain responsible for anxious thinking,” Suzy says. “It soothes the nervous system and promotes a calm state of mind.”
Mental Health Boost: Nature’s Healing Power
Research supports this. Walking in natural environments reduces feelings of hostility, sadness, and anger. Nature engages our senses, encouraging relaxation and creativity. It helps open up our thinking patterns, allowing us to process thoughts differently.
Timing is Everything: Morning Walks for Maximum Impact
To get the most out of walking, try to go outside in the morning, ideally within a few hours of waking. Morning sunlight is crucial for resetting your circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and mood. Even on a cloudy day, the daylight can make a big difference.
Suzy advises skipping sunglasses during these walks to let sunlight enter your eyes directly. This activates serotonin production, a key chemical responsible for happiness and calm. The connection between sunlight, vitamin D, and serotonin can even influence your immunity and overall wellness.
Sleep Better with an Outdoor Routine
Walking outside doesn’t just improve your mood; it also enhances sleep quality. The sunlight exposure helps regulate your circadian rhythm, ensuring you feel more alert during the day and drowsy by bedtime. Plus, walking can reduce cravings for caffeine and sugary snacks, supporting better food choices throughout the day.
City Dwellers, Take Note!
You don’t need a forest to reap the benefits. Even a walk in a local park or along a city street can deliver similar results. While a woodland setting is ideal, urban spaces also help tap into the problem-solving abilities of the brain. Outdoor movement can spark creativity and provide fresh solutions to problems.
The Lasting Impact of a Simple Walk
After your walk, you’re likely to feel more alert and energized. The benefits don’t stop there – you’ll find it easier to wind down when it’s time for bed, and your decision-making around food and drinks will improve as well. These changes create a positive cycle, making you more inclined to keep up the daily habit.
Jogging vs. Walking: Taking the Shortcut to Wellness
Of course, jogging has its advantages, but it also requires more preparation. Walking, on the other hand, is the perfect shortcut to achieve a similar wellbeing boost without needing to change into workout gear or find extra time for a shower afterward. Sometimes, simplicity is the key to long-term success.
