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Being active in green spaces
Many of us live much of our lives away from nature. You might spend time at home, in the car or in the office, but can you remember the last time you went to your local park? If it’s been a while, consider this: being disconnected from nature is likely damaging your health.
From lying on the couch to doing overtime at work, being indoors is often associated with sedentary, stressful and sometimes antisocial activities. The solution? Engaging in physical activity, particularly in outdoor green spaces, has the power to transform every aspect of your wellbeing.
A prescription to get out in nature 
You might think that heading to the park will have minimal impact on your health, but science — and your doctor — disagree. With chronic conditions and mental ill health both on the rise, medical professionals are turning to what’s known as ‘nature prescribing’ as a way of boosting health outcomes.
“Nature prescriptions connect people to structured, locally available nature-based activities [like] community gardening, nature conservation, trail walking [and bird watching],” says Victoria Sullivan, a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland’s Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing who researches nature-based physical activity for cardiovascular and planetary health.
“They harness the therapeutic effects of being in nature and provide opportunities for people to deepen their connection with our natural environment.”
The link between health and the natural world is nothing new. ‘Forest bathing’, the process of moving slowly through green space to reconnect with nature, is popular in Japan and has been proven to improve mental and emotional health, lower blood pressure and aid in the expression of anti-cancer proteins. Being out in wild spaces can also inspire awe, a sensation that can reduce stress and inflammation, as well as increasing creativity and sociability.
Further, contact with nature can reduce many of the negative impacts associated with contemporary urban life, from poor air quality to chronic stress. People who live near green spaces like parks are less likely to be lonely because these spaces help foster social connections. What’s more, nature prescriptions can also increase physical activity, which can have a positive impact on everything from feelings of depression through to cardiovascular disease.
Take a walk through the green 
If nature and physical activity are both good for us, then combining the two offers a powerhouse of benefits — and walking outdoors is an excellent way to start. Walking in and of itself delivers a raft of health benefits, from reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke to protecting against mental health issues like depression.
Further, walking in nature lets you move freely while immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of green spaces, from splashes of seasonal colour to birdsong or the smell of freshly cut grass. In return, you’ll be healthier, happier and likely more connected to the people around you.
“Walking is a fantastic, low-impact activity that builds fitness and balance gently, making it perfect for people new to exercise and wondering where to start. Taking your walk in the park brings additional health benefits such as a shady environment, cleaner air, a calm vista, and mindful engagement with nature,” Victoria says.
If you’re new to walking or you’re looking to build new social connections, joining a local walking group is a great way to kickstart your outdoor walking habit. Heart Foundation Walking, one of Australia’s largest free walking programs, has hundreds of groups across Australia, which means there’s likely to be one near you.
Explore Parks Week activities on the Heart Foundation website and check out the Heart Foundation Walking page to find out more about starting or joining a walking group. If you prefer to walk on your own time, our Personal Walking Plans provide a structured program that will get you moving on your own time and at your own pace.