In today's fast-paced world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find time for rest and recuperation. Work, chores, the multitude of information - all this makes us overtired and stressed. Meanwhile, the solution is closer than we think. Walking, a simple activity we have been doing since childhood, is one of the most underestimated ways to improve our wellbeing and health. It requires no special preparation, no equipment and no extra cost - all you need to do is get out of the house and move ahead.
Why it is worth walking?
Walking is one of the easiest and safest forms of physical activity. Unlike intensive workouts at the gym or long-distance running, it doesn't strain the joints and doesn't require perfect physical condition. It is an activity that anyone can do - regardless of age, shape or lifestyle. Just half an hour a day is enough to feel the positive effects.
The first and most obvious benefit of walking is the improvement in physical fitness. Outdoor movement supports the cardiovascular system, lowers bad cholesterol levels and regulates blood pressure. People who walk regularly are less likely to suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Walking also strengthens muscles, improves posture and promotes metabolism, making it helpful in maintaining a healthy body weight.
Another aspect is the impact on mental health. Contact with nature, even if it is a short walk in the park, has an extremely positive effect on stress reduction. Walking helps to reduce cortisol levels - the hormone responsible for nervous tension. Just a few minutes surrounded by greenery can improve concentration and mood. Regular walking can also help in the fight against insomnia. Movement outdoors, especially in the afternoon, regulates the body's diurnal rhythm, which promotes better sleep.
Daily walks surrounded by greenery are not only relaxing, but also a natural way to catch a distance from everyday responsibilities. It is an opportunity to get away from computer screens and phones for a while, oxygenate the body and stimulate creativity. Studies show that people who live near green spaces are less prone to stress and depression and have a higher quality of life.
In large cities, parks act as places of relaxation where one can not only walk, but also play sports, meditate or spend time with loved ones. A short walk after work can become a natural ritual that helps to organise thoughts and effectively separate work and private life.
How to incorporate walking into everyday life?
We don't always have time for longer trips out of town, but that doesn't mean we have to give up contact with nature. That's why it's important to have green areas in the immediate vicinity that allow you to relax, catch your breath and spend time actively.
At LifeSpot, we make sure that our locations are well connected, but at the same time provide access to parks and recreational spaces where you can relax after a day's work, walk the dog or simply enjoy nature.
See what recreational areas you have at your fingertips:
LifeSpot Nasypowa (Gdynia) - Park Leśny na Oksywiu
LifeSpot Pustelnicka (Warsaw) - Park „Leśnika”
LifeSpot Drabika (Wroclaw) - Brochowski Park
LifeSpot Wróblewskiego (Lodz) - Park im. J. Poniatowskiego
LifeSpot Graniczna (Katowice) - Richard Holtze Square
LifeSpot Podole (Kraków) - Krzemieniec Forest
Many people make excuses for their lack of time for physical activity. However, walking is a form of exercise that can easily be fitted into your daily schedule. All you need to do is make a few small changes to your habits:
- instead of driving to work or the shops by car, you can walk, if the distance permits,
- take the stairs instead of the lift,
- get off at an earlier stop and walk the rest of the way,
- instead of meeting in a café, you could suggest a walk in the park,
- at weekends you can try to discover new places in the city, choosing to walk in less-known neighbourhoods.
These are small changes that can have a huge impact on health and daily wellbeing. Regular walking increases levels of endorphins, or happiness hormones, which makes us more relaxed and positive about life.
Walking is one of the simplest, yet most effective methods of maintaining health and mental balance. It does not require special equipment, a lot of time or complicated planning. Everyone can find the right route and rhythm for themselves.
It is worth appreciating this daily activity and making it a regular part of your day. The proximity of green spaces makes the decision to go for a walk even easier, and regular walks can quickly turn into a habit that improves quality of life in the long term.
Whether it's a walk of a few minutes or a longer excursion, every moment spent walking is a step towards better wellbeing. It's worth giving it a try and seeing how much good can come from something as simple as getting out of the house for some fresh air on a regular basis.
