As a leading provider of mobility equipment in Essex, 1st Step Mobility know that the aids we provide can be a great help when it comes to pain management and energy levels, allowing you to engage in hobbies that you may otherwise be too tired or in too much pain for – including walking and rambling. But why walking in particular? What benefits could such a simple activity possibly have?
Going out for an accessible walk somewhere like a park, forest, or other green space can do wonders for our mental health. Exercise itself releases endorphins which boost our mood, and many people report a sort of dynamo effect, where you’re left feeling energised and wanting to do more when you’re finished (compared with inactivity, which can compound feelings of fatigue).
A lot of modern hobbies require a more intense focus from us, whether we’re watching television, reading a book, or contacting friends via a computer. Leaving the house alleviates the strain from our eyes and brains a little, which can reduce headaches and give an overall sense of wellbeing. Conversely, the great outdoors engages with your brain in a completely different way compared to many of our daily activities, which can actually also make you feel more productive and focused!
Leaving your home also exposes you to vitamin D, which is vital for your your overall health. It’s also a chance for you to breathe fresh air, something which becomes even more important if you’re suffering with poor indoor air quality! Gentle activities like walking and rambling can also help maintain bone density and will stretch out your muscles and joints, even if performed with the help of a mobility aid. Go on – give it a go!

