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
Linda says
I walked my 2 dogs 45 min every possible day. My job can be very stressfull and i always feel better after our walks
. i think its good for the dogs also. My 13 year old cocker spaniel has no health problems except for being deaf, and my 7 year old lab who does have problems is probably healthier for it.
suzanne hissung says
I loved walking with my boxer all over town when we downsized and moved city . I had a few off lead dogs follow and attack my dog after he snapped at them for pushing me over. The were jumping on me continuously for about 2 miles. My boy was pissed but obeyed the leave it command as we tried to walk away from them. To their credit they went after my dog not me although I needed 5 stitches on my hand and my poor dog had a 5000. vet bill. Don’t let your dogs roam!!!!! keep them exercised and tired. I’m still afraid to walk again by myself. Thank you again to kind stranger who pulled over and helped/shoved me/my dog into the back of his car. That could have been another terrifying event but restored my faith.
Brianna says
Wow Suzanne! I will try to be more alert of loose dogs when I am out and about.
I walk my kids about 1 mile to and from school everyday. I get at least 3 miles in a day during the school year. I carry my toddler in a backpack, so I get a good workout, plus we walk along a very very busy road and it keeps him away from the half awake digitally distracted drivers. I feel my kids are able to relax before and after school with the walk (they could have a bus pick them up and drop them at our front door in Georgia). I enjoy the walks and we always notice the bird songs and other parts of nature. I even let them stomp in puddles, pick up worms, leaves, and bugs, chatter back at squirrels, chase birds, kick pine cones, etc. if they wish. Nobody else in my neighborhood walks their kids to school, they all ride the bus or ride. So sad, because I believe those 20 minutes is time well spent with my kids and for myself.