Take A Walk Outdoors Day

Baby, it’s cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from getting out for a brisk walk. There are significant mental and physical health benefits to being outdoors that you just can’t get from a treadmill or the gym. Here are some of our favorites:

Mood Boost
Scientific research supports that going on regular walks improves your nervous system, leading to decreased levels of anger and hostility, and being in nature reduces tension and depression.

Creativity
Research has shown that people who are up and moving are more likely to be creative than people who are sitting down, and walking outside is a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block or working out a solution to a professional problem, taking a walk outside can help clear your mind and activate new ideas.

Better Skin, Nicer Legs
Daily walking increases your body’s collagen production, which keeps your skin smooth and elastic. It also reduces your chances of developing varicose veins. The venous system in the lower half of your legs helps circulate blood and push it back up to the heart and lungs. Walk outside to strengthen leg muscles, which helps improve the venous system’s ability to circulate blood.

Improved Vitamin D Levels
Walking outside exposes your skin to sunlight, which triggers your body to produce more Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiencies are also linked to depression, frequent illness, fatigue, back pain, slow wound healing, and muscle pain.

It’s More Fun
Want to reinvigorate your love of exercise? Hop off that treadmill, pronto. Research shows that people who engage in outdoor activity report greater satisfaction with and more enjoyment from their exercise program.

Happy Take a Walk Outdoors Day! Consider this a sign that it’s time to step away from your computer and get outside right now!

image credit: @Jamie452