The Power of Walking and Being Outdoors
Spring marks a natural time to enjoy nature and beautiful weather. Whether you're walking around your neighborhood, hiking a local trail or simply sitting in a park, outdoor activities have health benefits for your body, mind and spirit.
You don’t need a gym membership or expensive sports gear to start improving your health. Walking is one of the most accessible and underrated forms of physical activity, and it’s good for nearly every system in your body.
According to health experts, walking regularly can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve heart health and circulation, support weight management, strengthen bones and muscles, and boost energy levels. It also can easily fit into your daily routine — whether it’s a stroll after dinner, a walk during your lunch break or parking a little farther from your destination.
Spending time in nature isn’t just good for your body. It’s also a powerful mood enhancer, and can even sharpen your mental focus and help you sleep better. According to a recent study, spending at least 20 minutes in nature significantly lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
This means spring is the perfect time to:
Take calls outside or stretch your legs while you brainstorm
Unplug from digital devices and recharge in nature
Enjoy your morning coffee outdoors or read on the patio
Explore a new park, hiking path or community garden
To get started, set a goal of spending an extra 10-15 minutes a day outdoors and work up from there. You also may wish to walk with a friend or colleague to make the experience social. Also, to keep things interesting, try switching your route or walking at different times of day. Above all, be kind to yourself by aiming for consistency, not perfection.
Walking and spending time outdoors is good for everyone – busy professionals, parents juggling schedules, students needing a study break and those struggling with daily demands. While not everyone can walk or move in the same way, you can still enjoy the health benefits of fresh air and nature. Every step, breath and moment matters.
Pacific Federal is a Zenith American company and subsidiary of Harbour Benefit Holdings, Inc.
