Happy Take a Walk in the Park Day! March 30th is a fun holiday for anyone who enjoys taking a stroll to soak in the beautiful weather outside. Of course, here in our corner of the Sunshine State, you don’t really need a special reason to do that — our weather is walk-friendly 365 days of the year!
At Westminster Palms’ independent living facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, walking is a way of life — a just-for-fun activity for the sake of it, as well as a means of getting around our stunning bayfront grounds. In honor of Take a Walk in the Park Day, join us as we explore some of the biggest benefits of taking a stroll — plus, how to make your next walk even more fun.
(Tip: As usual, your medical team can help you approach new exercises safely! But these are just a few basic benefits you might notice as you work walking into your fitness regimen.)
Feel-Good Fitness
You probably already know that walking, as movement, is good for the body — but did you know that it can help with joint pain and immune function, too, according to Harvard Health? The National Institutes of Health also note that walking is good for overall heart, bone, and muscle health too. Because it’s such a simple, down-to-Earth (literally) means of transport, walking might seem like nothing special — but studies prove that it’s quite the powerful form of movement.
Serious Stress Relief
Developing a regular walking routine can help with a host of benefits — but according to a study featured in the National Library of Medicine, even a 10-minute “brisk” walk had the ability to improve participants’ mood. That’s something to feel good about, especially since it doesn’t take long to lift your spirits with a stroll!
Studies have also shown that exposure to blue spaces in the forms of natural bodies of water can have a stress-reducing effect. This is great news for Westminster Palms residents, who can enjoy unparalleled views of Tampa Bay 365 days a year.
Give Your Walk A Special Theme
Now that you know the big benefits of taking a walk, you might be wondering how to motivate yourself to get out and do it — or if you’re already a big walker, how to make your next stroll more fun. Might we recommend a walk with a special theme? Throw on a fun throwback outfit, for example, or theme your walk around wildlife or birding. By making your walk a fun challenge (i.e., see how many seabirds you can spot and identify in 30 minutes) you give new purpose to your leisurely stroll.
Social Stroll
Nearly everything is more fun with a friend or family member by your side — and, well, walking is no different! One of the best parts of living at Westminster Palms is the community aspect, so consider starting a regular walking group or meeting with a neighbor for a stroll at the same time every week. No matter how you go about it, it feels good to reap not just the physical benefits of walking but the social ones, too.
Find Creative Inspiration
If you’re an artist or budding creative, you can find inspiration on your walk! That might mean bringing a small sketchbook with you to draw up a scene whenever the moment strikes, or perhaps writing about your stroll in a dedicated journal that’s all about the sights and sounds of the paths you travel. Either way, there are plenty of options for blending your love of walking with your passion for creative endeavors!
We hope that these ideas lend a flair of inspiration to your next Westminster Palms walk! No matter where you’re headed, there’s always something exciting to do or see in our bright, balmy St. Petersburg community.
