Green Exercise
We all know that physical activity keeps you healthy. By participating in regular exercise, we reduce our blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and maintain a healthy weight. But did you know that interacting with nature on a daily basis has been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and even improving symptoms of depression? This is where green exercise comes in!
Green exercise is any physical activity that takes place outside. It has been shown to significantly improve both our physical and mental health. Americans spend on average 87% of their day in buildings and 6% of their day in cars – which leaves only 7% for outdoor time if you chose to do so. This limits not only our green exercise, but also our access to clean air and sunlight which, in turn, impacts our circadian rhythm. Our circadian rhythm helps to regulate our sleep, appetite, mood, and energy levels. Green exercise also gives the brain rest from technostress and overstimulation since when we see the color green in nature, our mental health quickly improves by reducing stress and tension and increasing blood flow.
All of these benefits work together to improve your overall well-being. Green exercise is a way for our minds and bodies to come together and give us maximum benefits for our time spent engaging in whichever activity you choose! Find some ways to participating in green exercise below!
- Neighborhood activities such as visiting the park, flying a kite, joining a community garden.
- Outdoor sports like basketball, kickball, golf, or tennis.
- Walking, running, hiking, biking, or swimming
- Stretching and/or strength or interval training outdoors
- Parking further away from away from your destination is a great option for those that have busy schedules.
Consider going outside as part of your new exercise regimen, especially as the weather warms up – don’t forget your sunscreen and water!!
Photo: ©iStock.com/TomMerton
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0204.htm
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/green-exercise-outdoors-nature-physical-mental-health
