What do you do when you feel low? Do you just sit back and cry? Get irritated over small things? Well, when I feel low I just go for a walk in the park. Though it is my daily schedule I make sure that I don’t miss it on the day when I am feeling low. It makes me feel refreshed and lift my spirits. So why don’t you just give it a try…..
If you still have doubts look at the recently conducted study that says even a little physical exercise as a walk in the park can lift your spirits.
Those who spend a lot of time sitting tend to be the least happy, but the good news is that they do not even have to slog at the gym to lift their spirits. Simply getting out of the chair and moving around is enough, according to a new study.
“We hope this research helps people realize the important public health message that simply going from doing no physical activity to performing some physical activity can improve their subjective well-being,” said the study’s lead author Gregory Panza from University of Connecticut in the US.
“What is even more promising for the physically inactive person is that they do not need to exercise vigorously to see these improvements,” Panza said.
“Instead, our results indicate you will get the best ‘bang for your buck’ with light or moderate intensity physical activity,” Panza added.
A walk in the park will lift your spirits
For those keeping score, light physical activity is the equivalent of taking a leisurely walk around the mall with no noticeable increase in breathing, heart rate, or sweating, says Distinguished Kinesiology Professor Linda Pescatello, senior researcher on the project.
Moderate intensity activity is equivalent to walking a 15-20-minute mile with an increase in breathing, heart rate, and sweating, yet still being able to carry on a conversation.
Vigorous activity is equivalent to a very brisk walk or jogging a 13-minute mile with a very noticeable increase in breathing, heart rate, and sweating to the point of being unable to maintain a conversation.
The study looked at 419 generally healthy middle-aged adults who wore accelerometers on their hips to track physical activity over four days.
People who reported higher levels of sedentary behaviour also reported lower levels of subjective well-being, meaning those who sat around a lot were the least happy, according to the study published in the Journal of Health Psychology.
People who led sedentary lives and engaged in light or moderate physical activity showed the greatest improvement in overall sense of well-being, the study said.
“The ‘more is better’ mindset may not be true when it comes to physical activity intensity and subjective well-being,” Panza said.
“In fact, an ‘anything is better’ attitude may be more appropriate if your goal is a higher level of subjective well-being,” he added.
Hi Sonal,
a good suggestion, walking in nature is really one of the best things to do and it lifts up the spirit. It also is an exercise which does not cost anything. Many famous people find serenity in walking in nature.
Thank you for this great reminder
Erika
Hi Erika mam
I totally agree with you. walking definitely lifts up the spirit. i can say this from my personal experience.
Thanks for writing in.
I love walking outside and gardening. Great article which is heart healthy, I will share.
Hi Sharon
Thanks for the encouraging words!
Hi Sonal,
Very wise words. You don’t need a whole lot of equipment to get those endorphins flowing. A walk in the park can do it. When I can, I take a dog. People are much more friendly when you have a dog with you. Also, if I’m honest, I’m much more likely to go for a walk when I have a dog to walk with.
Joy Healey – Blogging After Dark
Hi Joy
Thanks for stopping by! For me walking is the best exercise and i try not to miss it.
I love walking in park, but sometimes it’s not good for me..
Hi Naeem
Why is it not good for you?
Hi Sonal,
Love a leisurely walk – especially with my Wife. I’m also a big fan of us older kids not trying to overdo the ‘exercise’ thing. It’s so easy to injure yourself without personal trainer guidance.
Edward
Hey Edward
Wonderful to see your comment.
Thanks!
Hey Sonal,
Great post!
Loved to see the study results here, I used to do the same, going for a walk will manage the stress very well and enhance the mood.
Thanks for sharing!
~ Andrew
Absolutely Andrew!
Thanks for your wonderful feedback!
Hey Sonal! Love Love Loved Your Post! Yeppers off for a much needed walk. Thanks for sharing.. Chery :))
Thank you so much Chery!
I totally agree – the one thing that works when I suffer from my depression is a walk by the lake with my dogs, that simple act makes me happier
I totally agree with you Amber! It makes us happier.
Hi Sonal,
I think that is very true. Going for a walk is something I try and do almost every day.
We have a road with farmland just down from our house. We take the dog and very often the 4 cats will follow, or not their cats after all. Very good exercise for us all. Will share.
Hi Kathryn
Walk is something even I don’t miss it any day.
Thanks for writing in
Have a nice day!
I could not agree more! Up until recently, our ritual was a long walk on one of the hiking trails in the woods behind my home. Sadly, we’ve had to put that on hold for awhile because of all the wild fires in our area. The Center for Disease Control has sent out warnings to stay indoors as much as possible because the air quality is “very unhealthy” with all the smoke. Still, we’re luckier than those who have been evacuated. The news this morning is the weather (and air) should improve greatly beginning next week. I hope so because I’m anxious to be able to take our walks again … and my dog is driving me crazy!
Good to hear that Marquita. I hope soon you can resume your walk!
Hi Sonal,
I love to walk in nature. I live on the beach, so I walk there almost every day. It is invigorating. Every day I can do a little more than the last day and it is a sense of accomplishment.
-Donna
Hi Donna
That’s really great!
Hi Sonia
When i am down or need to get an idea, I always take light walks and it sure has helped a lot so reading this research isn’t surprising.
Thanks for sharing. Take Care
Very true Ikechi!
Hi Sonal,
There is no doubt how nature affects us… My favorite seasons is coming Fall .. and I can’t wait to take brisk walks and feel the nip in the air …. not to mention, of course, how healthy it is….
Very true Lesly!
Enjoy your walks!
Hi Dear Sonal,
That is a good suggestion, walking in nature is really one of the best things to do and it lifts up the spirit.
absolutely Ronil!
Grea advice as always Sonal.
Hi
Glad that you liked it!
Hi Sonal,
Nice post!
Walking really works like a stress buster. Nature has a soul and that’s why we feel so relaxed and calm the moment we step in nature.
I remember our walks in the park 🙂
Great advice as always.
Hi Leena
Really miss those walks and talks!