Why You Need to Take a Walk in the Woods

Winter walks ❄️ Yesterday’s snow day here in Orangeville was well spent catching up on some work and taking a long walk up a winding river. Being in nature just feels goooood! ✨ We know that going for walks outside helps to manage stress and is a great way to get our bodies moving. In the research they call it “forest therapy” or “forest bathing” 😂 and it has been shown to help with: • high blood pressure • stress and cortisol hormone levels • lung function • immune health • inflammation & oxidative stress • blood glucose levels in diabetics • depression & anxiety • brain function More time in green spaces and nature is associated with decreased chronic illness and a wide variety of positive health outcomes. Some studies have shown that the trees emit phytochemicals that affect our biochemistry but we also know we benefit from exercise, sunlight exposure, vitamin D, etc. Although the studies aren't perfect, it’s safe to say we could all spend more time nature for our health and well-being. Brave the cold & take a walk outside... doctor’s orders! 😊

Sources: Ideno, Y., Hayashi, K., Abe, Y., Ueda, K., Iso, H., & Noda, M. et al. (2017). Blood pressure-lowering effect of Shinrin-yoku (Forest bathing): a systematic review and meta-analysis, 17(1). Oh, B., Lee, K., Zaslawski, C., Yeung, A., Rosenthal, D., Larkey, L., & Back, M. (2017). Health and well-being benefits of spending time in forests: systematic review. Environmental Health And Preventive Medicine, 22(1). Twohig-Bennett, C., & Jones, A. (2018). The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes. Environmental Research, 166, 628-637.