The physical and mental benefits of including a walk in your day-to-day routine have been shown to be substantial. There are numerous ways in which regular walks benefit all ages and fitness levels. Among the countless physical advantages are better heart health, joint pain relief, slowed or reduced risk of mental decline, and stronger bones, just to name a few. While a brisk walk may not feel as strenuous as some cardio fitness regimens, it still increases your heart rate, leading to improved circulation and lower blood pressure. This simple daily routine can meaningfully bolster overall health by reducing your risk for heart disease, stroke, depression, and declining cognitive function. Staying active and engaging in low impact exercises such as walking promote enhanced physical health and wellbeing.
While it is easy to observe and feel the physical benefits of walking, the mental benefits are equally significant. When our bodies are in motion, our minds are correspondingly active; our eyes survey our environment, our electrical brain rhythms shift to a more agile state, our breathing changes, and we become more alert overall. Walking triggers the release of endorphins which are natural chemicals in our brain that boost happiness and reduce stress hormones like cortisol, resulting in a heightened propensity to relax and unwind. When we go from being immobile to moving our body, blood flow is rerouted to our muscles, which helps clear our minds and triggers a more relaxed state. Strengthening your mind and body with a routine walk should be more than enough reason to adopt this habitual practice.
Here on Nantucket, we are lucky to have an abundance of trails and properties to roam and explore. The Nantucket Land Bank is proud to offer over 40 miles of trails across the island including rare sandplain grasslands, coastal heathlands, and pitch pine barrens. Whether you’re seeking the shelter of the forest on a windy day or a stroll on the beach on a sun-soaked afternoon, the plethora of trail options opens the possibility of getting outside no matter the weather. From the Coast-to-Coast trail spanning over 24 miles to the Creeks Preserve’s .25-mile ADA-accessible pathway, there is a trail for every interest and ability. On March 5th, we will be continuing our winter walking series highlighting some of our favorite Land Bank trails. These guided walks will be held every Thursday at 12:30pm, ranging from 1.5 to 2 miles. To sign up and participate in these walks, please register here. To browse our wide variety of trails and properties, please visit Featured Properties and Trails – Nantucket Land Bank or download the ACKTrails app on your phone.
References
Glazier, Eve MD, Ko, Elizabeth, MD “Multiple Studies, One Conclusion: Take a Walk! Multiple studies, one conclusion: take a walk! | UCLA Health
Gunn, Lisa “The Mental Health Benefits of Walking
The mental health benefits of walking | Nuffield Health
Writer Et Al “Time Spent in Nature Can Boost Physical and Mental Well-Being”