May – National Walking Month
May marks National Walking Month. In the Nurseries we will be discussing the benefits of walking every day, including: keeping us fit and healthy; strengthening our hearts; boosting our immune systems; improving our mood and boosting our energy.
The physical benefits of walking can be obvious, whilst the mental health benefits are often overlooked. Research shows that walking can improve self-perception and self-esteem, mood and sleep quality. Walking is also shown to reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue. Physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed, and staying active helps those who are depressed recover.
We will be discussing why and when people walk; and we will encourage the children to walk around our outside play areas, to take note of what is around them and to practise mindfulness whilst they walk.
