The ABC of Genuine Happiness
W – Walk. Write. Watch the sunset
Walk more today, think clearer tomorrow
Look for outside motivation
Walking is still one of the best exercises you can do.
In a recent study from Maryland University, researchers asked two groups of volunteers age 60 to 88 (half with cognitive impairment, half without) to take a daily walk on a treadmill at moderate intensity.
After 12 weeks of walking activity, the volunteers underwent tests and scans to check cognition. Amazingly, the group with cognitive impairment showed improvements in memory, learning and recall tasks, and better efficiency in areas of the brain linked with Alzheimer’s.
To better the effects, try taking your walk in a green area – in one 2012 study published in Environmental Science & Technology , researchers found that just five minutes of exercise in a green space was enough to benefit mental health and improve self-esteem.
Let’s not forget that getting outside for a stroll does more for your mental well-being than boost your memory. Exercise boosts your happy factor, reduces stress, improves productivity and can reduce symptoms of depression.
And if you think there’s just not enough time in your working day, consider this; in a study of office workers led by Bristol University, those who exercised during their lunch break reported better mood, improvements in time management, better concentration levels and mental performance.
They also felt more able to deal with stress and experienced higher levels of motivation. Sounds like a good excuse for a lunchtime walk!
WRITE
Most of you are fantastic writers… I am more of a reader and enjoy written word!
So keep on writing your good stories!
Watch the Sunset
What better way is there but to watch a sunset!
Every sunset brings you the promise of a new dawn.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
… to be continued ….
Wishing you a wonderful and warm day!
