Most of us overlook great advantages of walking outside daily. We spend a lot of time in the office in front of our computers, forgetting that there are so many beautiful things outside. Even if you run every morning, it’s not enough to be outside in nature. Walking outside is one of the most nurturing, healthy and calming things to do for yourself. Check out seven reasons to walk outside every single day.
1. Reduce stress
We all live in a hectic world full of stress, so it’s important to find some effective ways to reduce it. One of the best ways to lower your stress levels is to walk outside. At first, you might be bored, but once you get started you will be astonished how relaxing and refreshing it is. I recommend you to switch your phone off completely, not on silent and you will see how wonderful it is. It’s very relaxing and it can actually help you relieve stress.
2. Get some fresh air
Every person needs fresh air every day, but often we forget about it. We are usually stuck inside and it lowers our daily levels of oxygen and can even make us depressed. Toxins in your work and house are not meant to be breathed the whole day and night. When you get outside every day, you are exposed to fresh air, which helps cleanse your body and mind.
3. Get vitamin D
One of the biggest reasons to walk outside every day is to get your vitamin D. The sun is the best source of this essential vitamin. Your body needs at least 15 minutes in the sun. Even if the sun isn’t shining outside, you can still get your Vitamin D. And it’s much better than taking supplements. It helps prevent everything from depression, colon cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease to seasonal affective disorder.
4. Enjoy the seasons changing
Enjoying the seasons changing will help you become more in tune with nature, and will help you find your balance in life. This is also a great way to learn to appreciate the smallest things in life. I enjoy seeing the birds chirp in the spring, the bright sun beaming on the pavements during summer, the leaves change in the fall and fabulous snowy landscapes in winter.
5. Strengthen your hamstrings and calves
Did you know that walking outside strengthens your hamstrings and calves? While running is a great way to tone up your calves, walking outside can do it much better because you are walking up and down various inclines sporadically. In fact, it’s an easy way to train your whole leg muscles.
6. Be at peace with your body
When I walk outside, I’m more at peace with my body. It may sound weird, but simply doing the easy task of walking, being outside in nature and doing your own things are a great way to be at peace with your body. Walking outside every day is especially good for people who suffer from anxiety and depression.
7. Discover new routes
The last but not least reason to walk outside is because you get a new travel experience every day. There are different routes to take, and different routines to do outside, even if you live in a small town.
There are many other reasons to walk outside daily, but these are some of the most common ones. How often do you walk outside? What’s your favorite reason to do it?