Taking long walks outdoors, even on cold days, is good for health. Word of science!
Even if on frosty days many prefer a sofa, cover and Netflix in their free time, taking a nice walk in the open air is good for our body and mind.
A underline the benefits of walking, regardless of the outside temperature, was John Sharp, MD, a specialist in clinical psychiatry and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
The benefits are manifold. First, not absorbing enough sunlight can increase our stress levels and impact our emotional and physical well-being, leading to depression and fatigue.
Additionally, exercise, even in cold temperatures, helps eliminate bacteria from the airways.
Sunlight and serotonin, stress away
Sunlight increases the release of serotonin, the so-called happiness hormone. The latter also eliminates anxiety and aggression. Walking in the green also has the advantage of reducing the levels of the stress hormone and improve memory.
“Physiologically, we know that serotonin levels in the brain are lowest in winter. Going outside can foster a positive mood and relieve depression “added Kathryn A. Roecklein, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, author of a study that the so-called “light therapy” may be beneficial for those suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
Improved rhythm / sleep wakefulness
Furthermore, lack of light exposure can also alter circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep / wake cycles, negatively affect our mood and slow digestion.
Sunlight and Vitamin D
As we know, indoor light levels are generally lower than outdoor ones. Also considering that the amount of light in winter is less than in summer, staying indoors for long periods of time can have a detrimental effect on our energy levels, attention and mood.
Sunlight provides vitamin D, which promotes calcium absorption and stimulates the immune system. According to Sharp, it would be necessary to walk every day for at least 10 minutes in the sun.
Walking in winter is also good for our emotional sphere
Let’s drop PC, smartphone and take a nice walk in the open air. In this way, we will feel more present to ourselves and increase the levels of dopamine, which can improve our emotional outlook.
… and to the immune defenses
One Japanese study has shown that forest bathing or a short walk in a forest helps our immune system by reducing stress hormones and increasing intracellular anti-cancer proteins.
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