We all know we’re supposed to move our bodies every day; walking, cycling, kayaking, doesn’t matter what it is, you just want to stir up some oxygen into the old bod.
Think of all those oxygen bubbles acting like an interior fizzy Perrier; an effervescent health drink for the blood, brain and bones.
But did you know that if you’re exercising in a bit of green space, you will not only help quell potential (or existing) anxiety and depression, but you’ll actually wind up a little smarter?
I know. I know. This is good news.
Especially when I find out that just looking at something green could help my cognitive process.
Trust me when I tell you that I’m thinking of painting the inside of my glasses with an algae wash to see if I can’t get really happy and smart.
But barring that?
I think I’ll just go take a walk in the woods.
Related Articles:
Restore Your Mind – Alive Magazine
I love it when scientific research states something that I already truly believe. Something that I could have told all the researchers years ago. People that try out my Out Door Fitness program state that “it is fabulous”, but they do not know why it makes them feel so good. Is it the tighter abs? Burned calories? Increased muscle mass? Stronger bones? Oxygen to the brain? Improved circulation? More flexability? Gorgeous scenery? An hour away from the usual distractions of living a healthy life style?
Heck Yah!
Thanks again Colleen, great information!
It’s funny isn’t it Karen? How all the research takes so long to catch up to what we intuitively know? But I have to admit that I love it when it does. “There!” I say, “Look at that!”
Feeling stressed ? Go to the woods and listen to the birdsong. It works!
Catherine, I’m sure if ‘they’ could bottle birds trilling and the super-oxygenated air and all that chloryphyl-action in the woods, they’d do it.
But it still wouldn’t be as effective as a walk on our own two feet down a scuffed-up trail. I breathe better just thinking about it.
Beautiful photo, Colleen! Apparently you walk in the woods with a camera in your hands.
Hey Jana, You’re quite right. I often do walk in the woods (and quite a few other places!) with a camera in hand. I’m glad you liked the photo. That trail is definitely one of my happy places.
Very true Colleen…especially so for city kids as time outdoors seems to calm them down.
Hey Michele…it certainly calms me down too 🙂 I always feel better after I’ve spent time outside, even if it’s just a city park.