In today’s world, where screens seem to rule our lives, finding ways to stay active and reconnect with nature has never been more important. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a session of Tai Chi, or just spending time outside, these simple activities can make a big difference for both your body and mind. Let’s take a closer look at how movement and nature can truly transform your health.
The Short and Long Term Benefits of Physical Exercise
Getting moving isn’t merely about becoming more fit — it’s one of the greatest things you can do for your brain. Studies confirm that even a single bout of moderate-to-hard exercise can increase cognitive ability in children and relieve anxiety in adults. Maintaining regular physical exercise sharpens thinking, learning, and judgment throughout your life as you age. Additionally, it can reduce your chances of becoming depressed and aid in sleeping more soundly each night.
Exercise is also a huge part of maintaining your weight. It’s all about balancing what you consume in terms of calories with the amount of energy you use. Opt for around 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week — and don’t make it dull. Dancing, mowing the lawn, or taking a quick walk all work. If you need to lose weight, combining exercise with healthy eating habits is important.
In addition to weight control, frequent exercise will defend you against chronic diseases. Research has indicated that achieving those 150 minutes of activity per week can significantly reduce your chance of heart disease and stroke. Exercise also enables you to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Even slight increases in exercise can improve conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and of course, increased movement yields ever-positive benefits.
Here’s something you may not know: regular activity can also keep infectious diseases at bay. Studies have found that individuals who adhere to physical activity guidelines are less likely to experience severe consequences from diseases such as COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia. Meeting those aerobic and muscle-strengthening targets may even reduce your chances of dying from these diseases.
Nature: A Natural Remedy for Body and Mind
Getting outside is another amazing way to improve your health. Nature has this incredible power to soothe your mind and allow you to concentrate. City living tends to surround us with noise and stimulation all the time, but venturing into a green area — even for a short while — can dissolve stress and mental exhaustion. In addition, being around nature has been proven to ignite creativity and enhance problem-solving abilities.
Time spent outside automatically makes you more active, whether you walk, bike, kayak, or just get out and look around. The sun also helps, allowing your body to synchronize its sleep patterns and providing you with a welcome boost of vitamin D, essential for bone growth, your immune system, and cardiovascular health.
And it’s not only your body that reaps the rewards. Being in green spaces has been connected to lower depression and anxiety levels. It also provides a boost to making social contacts — consider going hiking with friends or even chatting with someone at the park. For children, growing up around green spaces can even lower their likelihood of developing mental illness in the future.
Walking: The Simple Yet Efficient Exercise
Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay active, and it’s perfect for older adults or anyone who’s just starting. You don’t need fancy gear or a gym membership — just a good pair of shoes and a little bit of time. Taking a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week can help you maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your heart, and build stronger bones and muscles.
Walking is particularly beneficial to joint health, something you should care about if you suffer from conditions such as knee osteoarthritis. Research has revealed that a regular walk can shield your joints and maintain muscle strength. For seniors, it’s also an excellent means of maintaining balance on your feet and preventing falls.
To maximize your walks, focus on your form. Keep your head up, untense your shoulders, swing your arms freely, and roll your foot from heel to toe with every step. If you’re looking for an added challenge, experiment with speeding up now and then or inserting some intervals for a bit of added kick to your heart health.
Tai Chi: A Gentle Yet Effective Workout
If you want an exercise that’s low-impact yet still has impact, Tai Chi could be exactly what you are looking for. Although the moves are slow and fluid, Tai Chi burns calories at a pace comparable to more conventional exercise routines. It’s particularly good at slimming down your waist and controlling deep belly fat, making it an ideal choice for those with mobility restrictions or anyone who doesn’t particularly care for regular gym workouts.
Tai Chi also has some incredible brain benefits. Studies using brain imaging reveal that doing Tai Chi causes actual changes in brain structure and function — more so than usual exercise. That’s because Tai Chi combines movement with attention, leveraging the powerful relationship between your body and mind.
Starting Tai Chi is simple. Sure, it’s always better to take lessons from a good teacher who can guide you through the meditation part of it, but you can also search for plenty of instructional videos online that guide you through the fundamentals. The most wonderful part? You don’t have to wear any special uniform or gear — you can practice right in your living room.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re walking in a park, practicing Tai Chi exercises, or simply basking in the sun, movement and nature are two of your best friends for improved health. These easy habits not only make you fit and stronger but also calm and balance your mind, providing you with a true holistic means of living a healthier, happier life.
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