Evelyn Hilgeman
Outdoor Adventure Programmer
Staying consistent with New Year’s resolutions is something we all struggle with. As January goes, we tend to be overly ambitious when we set goals for ourselves. One of the best things we can do for ourselves is start small. When you start small, you create opportunities to understand your habits and goals truly. A simple activity, which isn’t time-consuming and easy to stick to, is walking. Walking only 10-30 minutes a day, a few times a week, offers many benefits, not just for your physical health but also for your mental health. Starting with a lighter routine sets you up for success.
The feeling of success alone can put you in a better headspace. Walking helps boost your mood by getting your blood pumping and moving around your body. This helps calm your nervous system, lowering your stress levels. Walking is also an example of bilateral stimulation. Repetitive, alternating movements help to engage both brain hemispheres, allowing you to think more clearly and rework something stressful. This mental stimulation will also help to increase your mental alertness and energy levels.
When you feel better, you do better. When your mental health is not in good shape, you may find it more challenging to do more physical activities and see the results. You can think of the physical benefits of walking as a domino effect. When you walk consistently, your blood circulates, and you burn calories. This lowers your blood pressure and boosts your metabolism. When these occur regularly, you are more likely to notice signs of weight loss, better heart health, and improved endurance.
A few trails have been particularly beneficial for me. The first one, and my personal favorite, is the Mingo Trail at Scioto Grove Metro Park, starting at the rope bridge. This trail provides a good balance between sunny open areas and shaded tree cover. A majority of the trail follows alongside the Scioto River, so you can hear the sound of running water as you walk. Hearing the water flow makes the experience even more serene. Another excellent trail is the Greenway Trail at Scioto Audubon Metro Park. This trail is in the city, which makes it convenient to reach and offers terrific views of downtown Columbus. It is a good place to keep in mind if you have had a busy work day and need some fresh air before heading home. However, with miles of scenic trails and peaceful surroundings, all of our Metro Parks offer some of the best places to get serious about your healthy habits!