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‘Green’ your walk for extra health benefits!

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Updated April 7, 2023

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Quick Win: Take a walk on the wild side — or in a tree-lined park — for all the benefits of physical activity, plus an extra dose of stress relief.
Try this today: Pick your spot. A tree-filled park, beach or hiking trail all make for a great nature walk. If you’re stumped, look online to find a popular route. Seek out a paved trail if you’re concerned about the terrain.

Tune in. Don’t wear earbuds for this walk. Take in the sounds around you: the birdsong, leaves rustling or crashing waves.

Keep it up. Plan your next nature walk.
Why: Both physical activity and spending time outdoors are good for health — and they’re a natural fit! Exercise itself has been shown to help relieve stress and improve mood, and taking your workout outside may amplify those benefits. In a study of 38 people ages 18 to 25, participants reported the most positive mental health benefits after walking on a forest path, rather than on a busy road or after a day of normal daily activities. The research was reported in 2019 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

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