Inspiration Abroad

I have a serious travel bug at the moment, so while I can't take a trip I've been doing lots of reading. There are two traditions I've come across that are great for a health boost and connecting to another culture while I wait for a suitable vacation. 

Passegiata

From Italy, the after dinner walk, or passegiata, is an easy and enjoyable way to grab a little extra exercise during a long summer evening. Twenty-eight percent of journeys in Italy are made on foot and while Italians are famously exercise averse, they naturally incorporate physical activity into their daily routines rather than spending hours at the gym. Combined with some other healthy habits, it seems to work; Italian women have a life expectancy 14 years greater than women in Britain. 

Shinrin-Yoku

The Japanese practice of Forest-Bathing to reduce stress and improve quality of life is one that I clearly see supported here in Colorado. The relaxation that comes from spending a weekend in nature is unmatched. The difference comes in on the intensity. Shinrin-Yoku is characterized as a slow, leisurely stroll through the woods rather than the typical Coloradan who goes out for an extreme elevation gain. While there is a case for both in terms of health benefits, Forest Bathing is certainly a nice change of pace.