Posted on October 21, 2019
Why winter walking is good for you
When the weather turns colder, it can be tempting to stay hidden indoors where it’s cosy and there’s a hot kettle to hand. On the other hand, regular walks are one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy throughout the winter. Here are some of the reasons you should lace up your walking shoes, zip up your coat and head outdoors.
It’s easy to fit into your routine
Just 30 minutes of brisk walking five times a week could have a significant impact on your health. So your daily walk can easily fit into your lunch break, or be combined with picking the kids up from school.
If the thought of walking for half an hour is daunting, begin with three walks of ten minutes each and slowly build up to 30 minutes when you feel comfortable.
It’s fantastic for your mental health
The shorter, darker days of winter can be bad for our mental wellbeing, especially if we are stuck inside the house. Making a daily walk part of your routine will give you an excuse to get outdoors, and can be a great opportunity to socialise with friends if you walk together.
Exercise can improve our mental alertness and mood, reducing stress and anxiety. A study by mental health charity Mind found that walking in the countryside can reduce depression and increase self-esteem, so parks, woodlands and open fields make perfect places to walk your way to better mental wellbeing.
It can boost your immune system
Exercise is the best medicine to keep your body and mind healthy. As well as helping you maintain a healthy weight, reducing blood pressure and building healthy muscles and bones, being active is good for your immune system too.
Studies have shown that as little as 20 minutes of exercise can have anti-inflammatory effects that boost your immune system. And in the winter months, that means you may be better-protected against colds and other bugs.
It’s cheap
Other than a cup of coffee to warm up afterwards, your winter walking habit will hardly cost you a thing. From city parks to our National Parks, the countryside to the coast, in the UK there are so many places to enjoy a great winter walk.
Whether you are walking locally or exploring a new location, all you’ll need is a sturdy pair of shoes, layers to keep you warm, and maybe some change for parking if you’re travelling further afield. No gym membership required, and with a decent raincoat and umbrella, no weather that can prevent you enjoying your daily walk.
