Did you know that a 1/2 hour walk a day can lower depression, anxiety, and blood pressure? I didn’t until I read about it on Treehugger. Turns out, a mere 1/2 hours stroll in the out of doors can lower depression by 7% and blood pressure by 9%. I’ve never been great at math, but that seems like a pretty affordable healthcare option :).
I know that my daily walks with Lucy are very calming. They give me a chance to wipe out all of the daily chatter and think in peace and quiet–in fact, a lot of my new stuff that I throw out to you comes from those daily walks. Plus, just taking a stroll through our neighborhood has totally helped me stay in tune with the subtle changes in the seasons and nature. I am more apt to notice when the trees are budding or when seasonal bulbs are starting to poke through.
While the study on Treehugger followed people who walk through parks, I think the benefits of a stroll outdoors is key, be it park or neighborhood. Doesn’t it always seem to go that if we would just go back to basics, we would be happier people?! Whole foods, strolling around the world on our two legs, fresh air, etc. all seem to lower our odds of keeling over before we are due.
Do you decompress by taking a daily stroll?
~Mavis
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