It’s official: walking outside is good for your health. I remind myself of that when it’s raining or snowing, and I’m trying to balance myself on my exercise bike. “I hate this,” I mumble as I peer out the window at the inclement weather, debating whether to dismount, gear up and head outdoors, despite the winter weather advisory.
Given a choice, I’d rather be outside. And studies support the health benefits of being outdoors. Even a ten-minute walk outside can reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol and blood sugar, which can help fight heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to the CDC.
And there’s more. Walking outside has benefits not only for your body but your brain. It can improve attention, concentration, and problem-solving, not to mention giving you a better night’s sleep, which is essential to good health. But there’s even more: according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, a 10-minute walk may be as effective as a 45-minute workout to reduce anxiety and depression.
Okay, I’m in.
But I didn’t become an outdoor-walking aficionado by reading about its health benefits. It happened quite by accident. And I have my Schnauzer, Max, to thank.
Max’s brother, Baylor, died about three months ago. Those two were constant companions. They would rush outside together first thing each morning, Baylor always the leader. Then they would return, like two feisty bear cubs, pawing each other, energized by the morning sun.
But after Baylor passed away, Max seemed lost. He would stare at me as if to say, “Are you really expecting me to go out there all by myself?”
I was concerned that Max, without the companionship of Baylor, would wander in the street and get hit by a passing vehicle, particularly one of the school buses, which don’t usually stop for little Schnauzers. So I started taking Max out. At first, it seemed inconvenient, but I soon began enjoying our time together, Max and me.
Our morning times don’t take long, only 10-15 minutes, but it gives the two of us “alone time together” — a splendid start to the day. We go out early while it’s still dark. Nonetheless, I still take in nature: the stars, the moon, the wind whispering in the trees, dogs and coyotes barking in the distance. And somewhere along the way, I repeat aloud to Max my favorite Psalms. We’re both all the better for the recitation.
Even when the weather is foul, even when rain, wind, sleet, or snow pelts us, we go. I check the forecast the night before and pick out my clothes accordingly. So, first thing, I’m up, dressed, and out the door with Max, my walking buddy.
In his book, The Age-Proof Brain: New Strategies to Improve Memory, Protect Immunity, and Fight Off Dementia, Dr. Marc Milstein, Ph.D., maintains that walking outside helps keep your brain young. It can lower the risk of memory loss and dementia by about 60%. It doesn’t have to be a walk in a national park, either. He cites a study in Japan where people stared at a plant on their desk for two minutes, and their stress levels dropped. There’s something about the brain and nature. I remind Max of that as I put the leash on his collar and open the door.
“Let’s take in the outdoors and stay healthy, ol’ boy,” I say as he stops and smells along the path. Then, Max obediently reverses course when I tell him it’s time to turn back. And as we open the back door and Lori welcomes us in, we feel all the younger.
Thank you for this message. I’m inspired by it and am committing to take that walk – perhaps with my husband after he reads your article. Thanks for the health benefit to care for the temple that houses the Holy Spirit. Perhaps I’ll be able to hear and discern what He wants me to do each day! ❤️