Why walking is important to happiness
Getting outside is always my favorite part of the day, and the more time spent outside the better I feel. Taking the time to walk is very beneficial for both mental and physical health. In this 60 second podcast by Scientific American they detail that even 5 minutes of exercise can greatly improve your mood and happiness each day. Setting a simple goal to walk for a few times every week is a realistic goal and can be combined with other errands. Walking is great for both your physical and mental health and keeping up with theses habits even helps you live longer. It has been shown to improve “self-perception and self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, and it reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue.” All reasons to add this to your routine.
When I relocated to LA and started working full time, I had a tough time adjusting to a new schedule in a new place. I didn’t know anyone, or the area. I had gone from being a freelancer making my own hours and getting outside each day, to being inside all day until dark ( I got home at 7:30pm). While I loved my job, I would go home tired with low energy, and found it hard to make the time to get back outside or exercise consistently. My happiness suffered and I knew I had to get back on track. When I started taking the time to get outside for any kind of activity, even days I didn’t feel like it, there was a significant shift in my every day mood and feeling of contentment. Besides exercise, I made it a goal to walk at least 5 days every week and found myself enjoying meeting this goal and striving to be outside more and more again. While I have always been an outdoorsy person, I feel these benefits apply no matter where you live.
