For all the time families will spend indoors this holiday season - opening presents, eating dinner, chatting and mingling, it might be a good idea to give them the gift of a walk in a park.
The benefits could last much longer than any regular iPad, sweater or bathrobe.
Here's some research on why a walk in a park is a good idea.
Studies have shown:
- When mice walk on treadmills, they develop more new brain cells than those that are sedentary
- Active mice perform better on tests for learning and memorization
- Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly, have a larger, healthier hippocampus, the part of the brain involved with memory and learning
- Exercise does not need to be strenuous. One study with students instructed to barely pedal a bicycle showed marked improvements in memory testing. You can get the same result from walking for 10 minutes.
- Researchers think that just a slight elevation in activity results in positive changes in blood flow and hormone levels, resulting in improved mental performance
- One walk or exercise session can help us focus better
Walking in a park pays off
When we suggest you get out to a park, we are not talking about running a marathon around the perimeter.
As the evidence shows, for people to enjoy the benefits of improved concentration, just a simple walk in the park can show incredible improvements in acuity and memory.
Of course, there's also all the benefits of fresh air, sunshine and Vitamin D. Plus the mental perks of viewing all those open spaces and greenery as opposed to the four walls of a living room.
After you spend all that time celebrating the holidays with your family indoors, tell them you have one more gift for them. Ask them to put on all their new fancy outerwear.
Then take them to a park, tell them to take a deep breath, look up at the sky and stretch. Then go for a walk.
After the walk, sit down at a park bench and ask everybody how they feel.
Ninety-nine percent of humans will say they feel better. That's the power of a park.
There's your bonus gift to your family.
Tell them about the research from taking a 10-minute walk.
Walking can also be a tool for coping with life's challenges. Apple computer founder Steve Jobs was famous for going on walks with employees to solve complex issues.
Walking in a park stimulates certain areas of the brain conducive to finding solutions to challenges or problems. A good strategy for family and friends to know.
It's a proven fact. When you experience the benefits of walking in a park, you will realize this truly is a blessing. One to keep repeating all year-long.
And you will also realize that a park is truly a fantastic asset in any community.
On that note, the staff at The Park and Facilities Catalog wishes all of you and our customers a very happy, walk-filled Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Holiday Season.