You fall into the same routine. Up at 6 am shower, breakfast, and off to work. The day drags on and before you know it you are stressed and exhausted. Often men don’t want to show their family, or boss that they are overwhelmed. Adding nature walks into your day may be just the thing you need to get back on track.
Try fitting in a nature walk during your morning break, or at lunch. This walk not only improves your mind but your overall health, by building stamina and adding steps for your heart health.
Where to Walk
Choose from the area where your work, your neighborhood if you work from home, a beach, a school track, or a local park. Find a quiet area. Don’t choose a place where cars zoom past and honk or where music blares from speakers.
Declutter Your Mind
The voices in your head telling you to finish five contracts at work will take away from your mindfulness. You can acknowledge them, but don’t let them be the focus of your walk. Smell the breeze around you, take deep breaths, and notice your feet as they hit the ground. Listen for nature, and feel that sun as it touches your skin. A 10-15 minute walk can do wonders for your mind, and if you can sneak in 20 minutes, the benefits increase. Look for birds, squirrels, or chipmunks. Their antics can add laughter to your day and increase your happy hormones-endorphins.
Hit the Woods
A nature study in Japan revealed health benefits in participants who completed forest walking: “A:12.4% decrease in cortisol level, 7.0% decrease in sympathetic nervous activity, 1.4% decrease in systolic blood pressure, and 5.8% decrease in heart rate.” Get outside and add mindfulness for better health.
