The Loveland Bike Trail in Loveland’s Historic District
Photo © David Miller 2025
by Julie Watson
Just over half of us have made New Year’s resolutions. The most common ones revolve around physical and mental wellbeing. Topics like exercise, fitness, and losing weight weigh heavy on our minds. Just as important are issues such as socializing, de-stressing, finding life’s balance, inner peace and others that fall under the mantle of mental health.
Living in or visiting Loveland, Ohio can mean you are in the perfect place to help you live up to the promises you’ve made to yourself on January 1st.
If you’ve made a personal health related resolution or goal for 2025, there is a simple and free way to accomplish what you’ve set out to do. I’m talking about nature.
Research shows that spending even short amounts of time in nature can have positive effects on both mental and physical health. The American Psychological Association purports that spending time in nature can improve mood, and attention while at the same time lowering stress levels. They even claim reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and increased empathy and cooperation. Studies show that exposure to green spaces like parks and trails can increase cognitive development and promote self-control.
Hiking, walking, kayaking, canoeing, and jogging are great ways to get some exercise while spending time outdoors. Don’t forget about taking in deep breaths of fresh air which promotes better sleep.
So how much time do we need to spend in nature to start seeing benefits? One study found that two hours of nature exposure per week led to significant upticks in both mental and physical health. The best part is that the breakdown of those two hours didn’t matter. In other words, the benefits are the same whether the two hours were spent in one block of time or several shorter blocks of time.
Southwest Ohio residents have easy access to many free, fine parks and trails. Check out city, county, and state parks (https://ohiodnr.gov) as well as The Loveland Bike Trail (The Loveland Bike Trail Map Home – The Loveland Bike Trail Map). This trail is paved and offers users over 70 miles of safe exercise. It also connects the Ohio to Erie Trail which connects the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Lake Isabella is a Hamilton County park right on the outskirts of Loveland. Lake Isabella is a quiet 74-acre park on the bank of the State and National Scenic Little Miami River.
As you can see, opportunities to reach your health and fitness goals for 2025 are plentiful. So, get out into nature for a better you.
Some tips for enjoying all the benefits that nature can offer this winter:
• Be sure to check the weather forecast.
• Dress appropriately. Light thin layers that can be removed as you warm up are best.
• When temperatures dip, keep sensitive skin like fingers and ears covered.
• Wear good shoes or boots to keep your feet supported and dry.
• Beware of snow and ice. Slow down. Invest in walking cleats that slip on over shoes or boots (think Yaktrax).
• If there is snow and the sun is out, wear polarized sunglasses to help you see while preventing snow blindness.
• Drink plenty of liquids. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the winter so be sure to drink enough.
• Prevent chapped lips and hands by using lip balm and lotions that contain sunblock.
• When possible, go with a friend, not only for safety reasons, but also for accountability.
• Be sure your cell phone is fully charged. Cold air causes batteries to drain more quickly.
by Cassie Mattia
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