5 reasons why walking in the woods is good for you

What’s another phrase for being one with nature? Walking in the woods. It’s what can take us close to our primordial selves. It’s also what can cleanse, rejuvenate, and refresh us. But the benefits of walking in the woods extend beyond the spiritual or emotional. It can have profound physical benefits as modern research tells us.

Here are five reasons why you should add a walk in the woods to your exercise regimen.

1. It boosts immunity

When you’re out in the woods, you’re not just breathing fresh air. You’re also taking in phytoncides that plants use as a protection against insects. What’s so good about them? Well, they’re designed to get rid of bacteria and fungi.

When they enter your body, there’s an increase in the production and activity of NK cells that in turn kill cells infected by viruses or bacteria. Research has suggested that a three-day stay in a forest can increase the activity of NK which can last up to 30 days.

2. It reduces stress

Almost everyone who walks amidst trees and vegetation knows that it can inherently calm us and make us feel rejuvenated. Now we have science to back it up. Researchers have found that spending time in the forest can reduce our cortisol levels and decrease depression.

It can also make us feel lively and enhance our mood. Studies in Britain have found that even five minutes of exercising in a green space can improve our mental health.

3. It can lower blood pressure

Walking in the woods can also have cardiovascular benefits. Researchers have found that it can decrease blood pressure and urinary noradrenaline and dopamine levels. What it means is that it’s good for your heart and your metabolism.

Remember, it’s not just any walk. What’ll do the trick is walking in a tree-covered park and not a concrete urban pathway.

4. It helps your brain

Regularly spending time in nature by going for a walk can help with learning and memory. Children who spend time near trees and wildlife have been found to have not just improved cognitive skills but also better risk-assessment skills.

They’ve also been found to be better than children from indoor learning spaces in manual dexterity.

5. It helps reduce weight

Walking anywhere has been found to help reduce weight. But there are tremendous advantages to walking under lush green trees. It relaxes you and makes you feel closer to nature. Plus. between the smell of the leaves and the sights and sounds, there'll be so much to take in, you'll forget how much walking you're even doing!

Timber isn’t what just keeps our homes healthy. It’s also what can keep us healthy and happy. The best part? Each walk will be a new experience. You never know what shade of leaves you may see tomorrow or what birds you may recognize the next time!