2 days Ago By Hannah Hammoud
As daylight saving comes to a close this Sunday, it’s the last chance to enjoy what’s left of the early evening light. Soon, the sun will be setting before many get home from work, and the cool evening air will settle in. With sunset just before 7pm AEDT this week, make the most of the fading light with a few simple ideas to boost your wellbeing.
Take a walk (and take the dog, too) While there’s still ample daylight, carve out a few moments for an early evening walk. You don’t need to lace up your sneakers for a 10-kilometre run to feel the benefits. Sometimes, just a 20-minute stroll around the neighbourhood or a nearby park can do wonders to clear your head, relieve stress, and boost your mood.
Australian Psychology Society chief executive Dr Zena Burgess says going for a walk can help bring you in touch with the “bigger picture of life”. Credit: iStock If you bring a dog along for the walk, you will enjoy the added bonus of their calming presence. Studies show that spending time with a pet dog can lower anxiety, making it an effective way to unwind.
Loading Australian Psychology Society chief executive Dr Zena Burgess says walking can help reduce cortisol levels and stress, contributing to better mental and physical wellbeing. “The other thing it does is, when you go for a walk, and you see people walking the other way, people tend to smile at each other. Smiling and greeting each other, even if it’s in passing, is another way to form connection and start to make people feel better about themselves,” she says.
Enjoy a pre-dinner drink with someone you like.
