Does your brain need a spa day?

Take your mind–and your body!–for a mood improving walk this spring! 

Walking keeps your brain sharp, reduces your reactions to everyday stressors, and improves your decision-making, all in as little as ten minutes. Now that the days are longer and the weather’s warmer, getting outside for a stroll feels more appealing, but in case you need a little extra incentive. Here are a few ways to add more walking to your life and make it healthier and happier! 

• Pop in your headphones and listen to a favourite podcast or some uplifting music. 

• Head out into nature–a walk that takes you into green space (even parks count) or by the beach will be even more soothing 

• Focus on your breathing. You can do a breath practice like box breathing, or just steal Jenn’s favourite technique, which is trying to breathe through your nose the entire time. This may slow you down at first (especially on hills!), but once you get used to it, you might find your aerobic capacity improves. 

• Add a purpose. Use your walk to take care of errands you usually do by car, or consider a goal, like briskly walking a 5 or 10k local fun-run. You can also make a walking date with a friend, which is the perfect way to connect, blow off steam, and enjoy everything that the coming spring has to offer!