As the sun rises earlier and sets later, we need more activities to fill up our long days. The sun shines over the world for all of us to see, and there is no better way to appreciate that beauty, than a nice long walk.
Walking or going outside is something that anyone can enjoy, and in the summer, it is even more necessary, especially in Washington, to get out of that cold dark gloomy winter to enjoy the feeling to some nice Vitamin D. After some nice freezing depressing months getting outside and boosting your mood with sun and exercise can help alleviate that seasonal depression. Senior Dominic Mendoza says, “The benefits of walking go beyond just physical. Not only does it physically keep the walker in shape, but it allows a clear space for the mind.” Washington is known for its rain and clouds, so it is good that you use the sunny months and days to their best content. Vitamin D is important for everyone, and according to Columbia University ,“It’s vital to bone health, muscle movement, nerve connections to the brain, and immune system function.” Although you can also get this vitamin from supplements, why not just get it for free from the sky. Freshman Aahana Monga believes that walking “boosts serotonin and is good for physical health.” Which is most definitely true, as they are good for you and as mentioned previously there is a boost of mood which includes seratonin.
Walking can be done anywhere so a change in scenery is something that you are going to get a lot, whether you like it or not. Either on a road, trail, or even a boardwalk, there are many ways and places to enjoy walking. Personally, my favorite places to walk in the summer are along trails with massive green trees. The light peers through leaves, illuminating your path and the vibrant greens around you, but not enough to give you a sunburn. The availability of these paths in Washington overall are bountiful as we are truly fortunate to have so many trees and trails around us to choose from. There are different trails for everyone as not every person enjoys the same scenery. Junior Aiden Stauffer mentions “smooth ground with pretty scenery with some benches overlooking some views.” That is Stauffer’s ideal walking path, however Mendoza differs preferring a “more in a forest environment like a trail. I like to feel connected with nature and get away from the busy urban life.”
Not even just an exercise, it is a daily task overall. There is no extra equipment you need besides your clothing, shoes, and yourself. Although many people enjoy music and podcasts on their walks, you can always just enjoy yourself in silence. Music can also be another huge mood booster in the summer; with upbeat music blasting and rays of sun beaming down on your face you can get that good feeling.
Additionally, music can affect your walks juristically. From causing you to change the speed at which you walk to even changing the way you think. If you listen to a slower BPM (beats per minute) song, then you might walk slower than listening to an upbeat pop song. This is because these noises cause your body to move with them, everyone has this internal rhythm, and with these changes in what we hear, our walking speed and even heart rate can change. If you are having a stressful time in the summer and need to go on a walk. If you listen to a slower song that higher the heart rate you get from the walk can be slowed, also with your breathing aligning to music too on your walk with the summer sun it can overall be very therapeutic and calming.
Walking is also an effective way to let your mind run free and think. Sophomore Eva Rodriguez says, “I look to clear my headspace because I’m never doing homework while walking.” When you are just moving one step in front of the other, this mindless task allows you to set your focus on other things. Worry is something that all humans have, and that worry can seep into your time of doing actual activities or work. If you set time like this to worry about things going on in your life, the time that you need to focus and not stress about anything else would be easier.
Overall walking is so beneficial and widely available there is almost no reason, if you can, to go on a walk sometimes. Walking is something I have enjoyed my whole entire life and getting outdoors and just moving around has impacted my life only positively. Summer there is so much free time so if you need another activity then just let your brain run rampant and go on a nice long walk. Bring a friend you never know what you might find or think about on these spontaneous trips. Enjoy summer!
