There are a variety of studies that link walking and spending time outdoors with a wide range of potential health benefits, including:
increased happiness
stronger muscles
a stronger immune system
lower blood pressure
better brain function
improved focus
improved memory, concentration, and more.
Spending time outside can help you to have a longer attention span and help to dramatically reduce stress levels, unfortunately though many of us spend a great deal of our time indoors for most of our lives. The EPA previously estimated that the average American might spend as much as 90 percent of their life or more indoors.
Researchers found that over half of American adults spend less than 5 hours every week outside in nature. They also found that there is a strong desire that many people have to improve on their time spent outside, they are aware of how much it's lacking and aren't satisfied with current levels.
Small change can make a big difference.
Even if you have spent years embracing the opposite, it's never too late to try and turn it around, in an effort to repair some of the damage inflicted from living a mostly inactive and sedentary lifestyle.
Go for a walk
Walking is one of the most underestimated activities, having been shown to promote a myriad of health benefits. It might be difficult at first to make the change and switch to becoming more active, but that investment could have major payoff down the road.
Only walking for 10-20 minutes has been shown to make a noticeable difference in helping to improve self-confidence and vigor, and to help foster creative inspiration, among other potential benefits.
You don't need to go hiking for hours, even short nature walks have been shown to drastically help reduce stress levels.
Researchers have found that short nature walks, which they have referred to as nature pills, can help to drastically reduce cortisol by as much as 10 percent.
Studies have shown that increased exposure to nature and greenery can help to promote longevity and boost overall wellness, so it couldn't hurt to try and find new opportunities to get out whenever possible.
