The Top 3 Wellness Benefits of Walking on an Autumn Day

Photo courtesy of David Wilson via Unsplash

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house,” said Nathanial Hawthorne.  I couldn’t agree more.  There’s something about fall weather that invites you to go on long walks to soak up nature’s colors and breathe in the fresh air.  It’s a good thing, too, because walking in nature reduces stress, increases your feeling of happiness, and is good for your heart health.  I’d like to share with you 3 ways that you can feel extra good during your autumn walk.

 How Far Do I Need to Walk?

For years 10,000 steps were the holy grail of walking for your health.  While it’s a great goal to have, what I didn’t like about this number was the way it was portrayed as an “all or nothing” goal.  Happily, new research released by the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology suggests that just 4,000 steps a day help extend your life.  For the average person, this is a total of 30-40 minutes of walking per day.  How easy is that?  Of course the more you move the better, and if you can hit 10,000 steps a day that’s great.  What I want you to know is not to be hard on yourself if your app is telling you that you didn’t succeed.  Every step counts toward a healthier and happier you.

Sunshine Makes You Happy

Why are we so happy when we feel the sun shining on our faces?  For most of us, it’s because the mood-boosting hormone, serotonin, is released when you’re exposed to the sun.  The sun activates our social instincts and you’re more inclined to seek out friends and family, feel better about yourself, and have a smile on your face.  It’s even more pleasant in the autumn when the sun’s rays aren’t as harsh as in the summertime.  As I am nearly 60 years old, I can attest that autumn sunshine makes your bones feel good!  Although the sun may not be out as long or the UV rays aren’t so strong, please still grab your sunscreen and protect your skin when you venture outside.

Your Five Senses

There’s something about walking in Nature on an autumn day that heightens your senses.  You can smell moss in the woods, the salty air near an ocean, or the last of the blooms in the fields.  Visually, autumn is vibrant from the colors of the leaves, and the birds and little creatures are busy getting ready for the winter.  This connection with Nature, including a walk in your local city park, is what generates positive feelings such as calm, joy, or positivity.  Getting out for a walk improves concentration and helps make us feel less anxious.  Have you noticed that yourself?

What Are Your Next Steps?

Take advantage of the beautiful fall days and reap the health and wellness benefits of what a good old-fashioned walk in the sunshine gives you.  Grab your four-legged friend, go by yourself, or get out there with friends and family.  Walking is an easy way to lower your stress, improve your mood, and boost your long-term health.