What’s Better – a Green Home or a Green Neighborhood?
We all know by now that an energy efficient green home is good for both our pocketbook and the environment. What is a Green Neighborhood, you ask? Well, it’s simply a community that has access to nature and walking trails.
Everyone understands that a walk in the park or nature feels good. Outdoor lovers understand that fitness and fresh air go very well together.
We all should strive to stay active, but sometimes busy schedules make it difficult. Activity level is relative, but just a few walks a week can have many benefits. Many choose to go to a health club, but this could take 1.5 to 3 hours out of your day depending on your workout routine, distance from home or work, and if you need to shower afterwards.
That is why Grenadier Homes often builds in master-planned communities that have many places for convenient walks in nature or runs on trails. We want our residents to enjoy their surroundings.
But, as I started to research more about this, I was really surprised at just how beneficial this access to nature is.
Here are some of my findings:
- Walking at a brisk pace that raises your heart rate into the moderate-intensity zone is recommended for the benefits of “real exercise”. Many doctors promote brisk walking over running as a better alternative to the negative effects running has long term on hips, knees and joints.
- Your doctor will advise you regarding your heart health that you should aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days per week, which can be broken up into sessions of at least 10 minutes at a time.
- Exercising or walking in the natural environment as part of daily life benefits mental health and gives you a greater feeling of revitalization and positive energy, as well as decreasing tension and depression.
- Green has a calming effect and exercising outdoors with natural scenery distracts you, so you can forget how hard you are working. Some publications refer to this experience as getting your Vitamin G.
- Modern technology taxes the brain, and a massive effort is required to block out or inhibit the distractions screens provide. In nature, the involuntary focus takes over the brain, giving it and you a pleasurable break.
So, if you live in a Green Neighborhood and you take advantage of the convenience of the nature surrounding you, you should experience the benefits of very likely a healthier heart, healthier brain, and a better mood.
So, all you must do is put on your shoes and walk out the door, and Vitamin G (free – no deductible) is waiting for you!
At Grenadier Homes, we offer you Villa townhomes in both a Green Home and a Green Neighborhood.
