There are people hunched over screens practically anywhere you look. Whether it’s on the train to work, on campus, and even at home, it’s not pretty. People of all ages are spending an inordinate amount of time hooked to a phone, tablet, video game, or computer. Some may say it’s for work, some may argue it’s for shopping, or to unwind. Regardless of the reason, many are addicted to screens in some form or the other. Not only is this harmful for your posture and health, but it can also adversely affect your attention span and ability to focus.
Short bursts of fast content do not allow you to slow down and smell the proverbial roses. This is where you must make a conscious effort to improve your health. If you cannot squeeze in the time to go to the gym regularly, at least try to go to a park. You could bike or walk there, depending on the distance. Even if you must drive yourself there, it can be worth the time you invest in your osteopath Auckland. Here are a few ways your local park can improve your health:
1. Being a Good Role Model
When you carve out time for the outdoors, try to take your family too. Even if everyone cannot make it at the same time, try to go with whoever is available. When kids see parents enjoy strolling in the park, they too think it is a cool activity. Instead of binge-watching shows together, make the park a regular part of your week.
While you walk or jog, see how the kids enjoy the playground equipment. Swinging, sliding, and running after one another is great for them too. They may make new friends from the neighborhood. They might see friends from school. Kids don’t need fancy schmancy activities to have fun. A good game of tag in the park can be good for their health — and tire them so that they sleep well at night.
2. Reaping Benefits of Fresh Air
It’s not just kids that benefit from being outdoors. It is an undisputed truth that fresh air is great for your lungs and immune system too. It can even improve your digestion and give you an energy boost by improving oxygen levels. Since fresh air helps dilate blood vessels, it can also benefit your heart rate and blood pressure. Just like kids, adults can also sleep better after being at the park because fresh air can regulate their circadian rhythm.
If you live in a region where it is too cold or too hot, try to enjoy fresh air at least for part of the year. If the weather gets unbearable, try to find an indoor walking track. You won’t get the fresh air, but at least you’ll get up from the couch and move. Recruit a walking buddy to accompany you. That will keep you more accountable, and you will have some company. Time can fly by when you’re in deep conversation with a friend. You’ll recharge your social battery and get a good chunk of your daily step requirement.
3. Improving Mental Health
Getting out of the house can also help with mental clarity and improve your mood. Getting some sunlight can help with vitamin D levels, which is good for your mood because it plays a crucial role in brain function and mood regulation. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to mood disorders, including depression and seasonal affective disorder. Vitamin D also helps the brain produce more serotonin, known as feel good hormones, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Who you spend time with outdoors also plays a large part in how it can improve your mental health. For example, you can also use your local park as another way to bond with your kids. Incorporate a fun science lesson on your next walk to the park. Start off with a simple scavenger hunt that you can make yourself or print out. Have kids walk around looking for pinecones, different colors of flowers, bugs, and foliage. Depending on their age, you can also label the different kinds of insects and leaves. See what piques their interest the most and dive deeper into that area of botany or zoology.
4. Achieving Fitness Goals
If your local park has accessible walking paths, they’re a great resource to take advantage of. Walking outdoors is a great way to tone your body and burn calories. Without requiring any fitness equipment or special skill, you can get closer to your fitness goals. Walking can speed up your metabolism too. Don’t worry if you cannot walk every single day. Even three days a week is a great place to start. Don’t fret if you miss a day either. It is not worth giving up because of an occasional lapse. Get right back up and tie your shoelaces.
The key to being consistent with your walking is finding what works best for you. Some people prefer one longer walk each day, while others prefer shorter, faster, and even multiple walks a day. There is no magic formula. Do what works best with your schedule and responsibilities. You can take it up a notch by walking with weights strapped to your legs, walking uphill, or walking briskly. You can also break the monotony by breaking up a long walk with a few intervals of squats or jumping jacks.
If you incorporate more visits to your local park, it can be a great way to improve your health and feel better about yourself. You might also strengthen the relationships you have with your kids and lose a few pounds in the process.