BALLANTYNE | feature
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Hiking (or
walking
on nature
trails) has
been linked
with reduced
rates of heart
disease,
improved
sleep and
decreased
stress levels.
52 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE
WINTER 2014-2015
Multi-hour
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Make a date with a friend:
Watch a matinee, grab a cup
of coffee or go for a walk.
Spending time with friends
has a significant impact
on your health, reducing
stress and providing a boost
to your immune system,
according to studies.
Of course, friendship also
offers emotional benefits.
Your friends instill a sense
of belonging, improve self-
confidence and promote
happiness (not to mention
celebrating successes
and providing support
during difficult times).
"You have to prioritize
spending time with friends;
put it on the calendar,"
advises Erin Stone, a
physician with Novant Health
MintView OB/GYN. "Being
social is just as important as
eating well and exercising."
Take a hike: Lacing up
your sneakers and hitting
the trails has benefits
beyond burning calories.
Hiking (or walking on
Heather Cabe spends time
with a friend over coffee at
Rush! Espresso.
Eric and Raley Priest enjoy
their time on the greenway.