How often do you find yourself saying “I have to get away from it all”?

I would recommend that you get up, get yourself dressed in the proper outdoor gear, and go for a walk outside.

The charity “Mind” published a report that shows more than about 9 in every 10 individuals who took part in their ‘green’ exercise program noticed a difference in their mental state of wellbeing.
The study says: “Ecotherapy is a natural, free and accessible treatment that boosts our mental wellbeing. Whether it’s a horticultural development programme supervised by a therapist or a simple walk in the park, being outdoors and being active is proven to benefit our mental health.”

A 30 minute walk outdoors can boost your mood, and help you feel energetic and revitalised. Research found that the serotonin levels in the brain are altered. Since Serotonin is the link identified to depression, by lowering it, you improve your mood and feelings of well being. Endorphins combined with proteins are also released from the brain and spinal cord when walking. This then acts on the nervous system and reduce pain, again to improve the mood.

In one particular study, it was shown that the body temperature increases, which in turn may have a positive influence on the brain chemicals.

Thirty Minutes of brisk walking is evident. However, it is believed that by taking that outside and enjoying your environment could help you maintain your good health and mental wellbeing with little to no drug treatment, and even prevent the symptoms from recurring! Although walking outdoors is not a replacement for professional treatments, it is highly complementary to the conventional methods.

And just in case you need more motivation, here are other health reason why it would be a rather good idea to take up walking:

• Walking increases your lung and heart capacity to supply oxygenated blood to your system, thus improving Pulmonary and Cardiovascular fitness.

• Bone density can be increased through walking especially for the lower back and hips. Since walking is a weight-bearing exercise, it strengthens the muscles. This can prevent osteoporosis and minimise the chances of hip fractures as we grow older.

• Walking creates a healthy body, but apart from that it also keeps our brains functioning at its optimum best. By walking outdoors and being stimulated in a positive manner you reduce the chances of mental deterioration. This in turn can help you dealing in a combat against diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

To get the best out of your walk, it is suggested that you walk at a steady, brisk pace. Should you feel a bit uncomfortable, slow your pace down a bit, and breathe in deeper. Start of slowly if you have not done any exercise for a long while, and build up gradually.

Also, a rather important and often overlooked piece of advice is to make sure wear the correct gear! Outdoors clothing is vastly different from indoors, and thus, you should kit yourself in warm, comfortable and durable outfits.