This list of benefits of walking will have you lacing up your trainers and heading outdoors.
Walking, enjoying an excursion in the countryside, has many benefitsand many of which we may not be aware of. Most people will agree that a ten to twenty minute walk in the fresh air is an excellent way to clear your thoughts and put problems into perspective.
Another benefit of walking, and one that is underestimated, is how much it can improve your creativity. Studies have shown that walking one hour a week in a natural area can have a positive influence on creativity.says James A. Swan, PhD, author of "Nature as Teacher and Healer". Normally, new ideas, thoughts and emotions come to the surface during a walk. Be sure to write them down immediately after your walk, or perhaps record them on audio on your mobile phone, record all these thoughts.
Walking takes you away from the crowds. Studies have shown that 80% of people park their car within 200 m of their destination. Walking that extra distance will quickly get you into quieter, less disturbed areas.
Many people enjoy listening to music while walking. Personally, I don't like to isolate myself from the natural environment. I find it best to tapping into the full potential and increasing sensual awareness, especially if you are in a natural environment. Use all your senses to gain a greater perception of the nature around you. Learn to read the countryside with your eyes, the wider canvas painted by glaciers and erosion, the impact of humans and especially the oldest traces of humans; the presence of ancient buildings, walls, terraces of old fields, evolution of forests. Observe animal tracks and their signs, listen and try to identify birdsong, the drumming of woodpeckers, creatures scavenging in the undergrowth, the rustle of wind through the trees, the first flowers and buds of spring, shapes and patterns in the clouds. Feel the shape and texture of bark, flowers and leaves.
Smell the scent of freshly cut grass, the variable scent of new flowers, the rich aroma of different fungi, decaying wood. and leaf mould, the warm air from the south and the cold, sharp air from the north.
A walk is a nice way to share valuable time with family, friends and colleagues.. Instead of going out on your own, ask someone to accompany you. Enjoy time in nature together. Next time you have a meeting, why not take it outdoors? You may find that the fresh air will help you think outside the box and increase your creativity.
Walking and hiking is a way to meet wonderful people.Many clubs offer walks especially for singles, dog owners, among others.
For those looking for Mixing physical challenge with fun, orienteering is an ideal participation sport for young and old alike.A strategic sport, involving a combination of map reading and decision making skills. There are levels for all ages and abilities.
Trekking trips are becoming an increasingly popular way of exploring a place or country.. Walking a route through a place brings you closer to the human, cultural, historical and natural dimensions than any other mode of travel. Close your eyes for a while and imagine the scent of wild rosemary and sage wafting into your nostrils as you pass these herbs on a footpath in France, or the freshness of a mossy clearing in an Irish oak tree. Birds and other wildlife flit around you, all the while analysing everything you've read about the local history and culture. Walking uphill to a castle or town gives you a greater appreciation of what life there might have been like during the medieval period, or why that situation was chosen in the first place. And your reward? Arriving at a small shady bar for lunch, ordering a cold drink, then sitting down and perusing the local gastronomy menu with local produce you've seen for yourself in the orchards at the start of your hike. There are few better experiences. You will talk to the locals, it will certainly be an inspiring experience, which will make you grow.
READ ALSO:
