A couple of weeks ago when I left my house to leave for work, I couldn’t help but appreciate the crisp cool weather. I thought to myself, “Wow. It feels like autumn.” The first person I saw that day commented on the weather, and I excitedly replied, “I know! It feels like autumn,” to which she countered, “It is autumn.” Not one of my more observant moments, but this day, of course, was September 23, the autumnal equinox, and I smile to myself everyday as I notice more and more people taking advantage of the moderate evening temperatures to enjoy outdoor activities. While many Pensacola residents thrive in the heat and humidity of our summer months, others seek the indoors for relief during the hottest months. If you’re one of the locals who holed up in the air conditioning during the last couple of months (I would be one of those) then now is the time to come out of hiding. Autumnal weather in Pensacola is an opportune time to ease back into outdoor activities, and for those who might have spent the last couple of months at the beach (brave heat resistant people), it might be an opportunity to explore new outdoor activities and ease the tension of everyday life. Exercise and nature have long been associated with reducing symptoms of stress and depression. As a matter of fact, a study conducted by the University of Michigan that was published in Ecopsychology in September explores this very topic. The study found that group nature walks are linked with significantly lower depression, less perceived stress and enhanced mental health and well-being. You can read more about the findings here: Walking off Depression and Beating Stress Outdoors. So, as the days get shorter, the kids settle in to the new school year, and, yes, you begin to, think about the holidays that are just around the corner, take some time and enjoy a nice walk outside.
Want to put the study to the test for yourself? We, in the Pensacola area, are lucky to be able to enjoy extended moderate temperatures compared to our brethren further on up in the northern latitudes. Want to take advantage of it? Here are some areas in the Pensacola area to walk, hike, or amble that stress away:
The following state parks have walking trails:
Big Lagoon State Park
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
Blackwater Heritage State Trail
The following City of Pensacola parks (according to playpensacola.com) have walking paths/trails:
| Admiral Mason Park 200 South 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32502 |
Bay Bluffs Preserve 3400 Scenic Highway Pensacola, FL 32504 |
Bayview Park 2001 East Lloyd Street Pensacola, FL 32503 |
| Bryan Park 1200 Langley Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 |
Eastgate Park 3500 Forest Glen Drive Pensacola, FL 32504 |
Estramadura Square 1500 East Lakeview Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 |
| Granada Square 1001 East Cervantes Street Pensacola, FL 32501 |
Hollice T. Williams Park 1601 North Hayne Street Pensacola, FL 32503 |
Lamancha Square 1400 East Cross Street Pensacola, FL 32503 |
| Legion Field 1301 West Gregory Street Pensacola, FL 32502 |
Malaga Square 1000 East Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32503 |
Miralla Park 650 Connell Drive Pensacola, FL 32503 |
| Operto Square 1600 East Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32503 |
Parker Circle Neighborhood Park 601 Parker Circle Pensacola, FL 32504 |
Pintado Park 1830 Hallmark Drive Pensacola, FL 32503 |
| Toledo Square 1700 East Gonzalez Street Pensacola, FL 32501 |
Wayside Park West 745 Bayfront Parkway Pensacola, FL 32502 |
William E. McNealy Sr. Park 520 Woodland Drive Pensacola, FL 32503 |
Until my next post, enjoy the weather. Thanks for visiting!
