When I lived abroad I walked everywhere. I did this for two reasons, 1) It was a good way to get to know my new city and 2) It helped clear my head. I was reducing stress before I even knew it. April is National Stress Awareness, so lets hop to it!
1. Walking Puts You In A Meditative State
A study in the United Kingdom found that walking through naturally green spaces can help put your mind in a meditative state. Walking through a park can spark something called “involuntary attention” which allows the brain to be alert but also be reflective.
2. Spending Time Outdoors Reduces Stress
Walking outside has been proven to reduce stress and help improve your memory and attention. It can even increase your attention span by 20 percent! Even walking outside when it’s cold can help make you feel more energized.
3. Walking Increases Endorphins
Exercise, even simple exercise like walking gives you a rush of endorphins, which help with stress and can even fight mild depression.
4. Walk With Your friends
Walking with your friends helps create social support and deep bonds. Having these bonds has shown to build up a resilience to stress and lower the level of the stress hormone cortisol. So grab a buddy and gab it up on your walk!
5. Walking Gives Your More Energy and Helps Fight Feelings of Fatigue
Cancer patients showed a lower rate in fatigue after taking 20 minute walks. Also people who have lived lazy lifestyles and then decided to pump it up with just walking saw a 20 percent increase in energy and 65 percent reduction in fatigue.
So next time you’re feeling stressed or a little tired strap on your walking shoes and hop the trail to happy town.
