6 benefits to a daily walk around the block.

1: Relaxation

Are you feeling stressed out? Or is your head full? Walking helps reduce stress. Look around you and enjoy nature. This has a relaxing effect. You will see that you feel a lot less stress after the walk, because walking lowers the stress hormone cortisol.

2: Mood

Hiking in nature can improve your mood considerably by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The fresh outdoor air and exercise do a person good! The happy substances endorphins and serotonin are released and make you feel happy. Going for a walk in a beautiful natural area? Take pictures with your camera so you can reminisce about your beautiful walk at home.

3: Sleep

Hiking in nature improves sleep quality so you wake up rested in the morning. You've enjoyed being outside and exercising. You can let go of your thoughts and therefore relax more. As a result, you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

4: Fitness

Walking lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also speeds up your circulation, allowing waste products to leave your body faster. Would you like to exercise, but are unable to perform intensive sports? Then walking is a great alternative!

5: Creative

Are you stuck in a thought process or unable to come up with an answer to a problem? Walking stimulates the cooperation of your left and right hemispheres of the brain. The left side of your brain is the analytical and logical part. The right side of your brain is for the intuitive part. The cooperation between these two halves is enhanced by walking. It is common for a creative idea to emerge while walking.

6: Social

Walking with friends, colleagues or family improves social interaction, making you feel more connected to others. Walking alone? A friendly greeting to passersby already has a positive impact on your mood.

Source Marketing Drenthe. More hiking tips at drenthe.nl/wandel.