Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise that makes you healthier, helps you lose weight, and makes you more active. The main benefit of walking is that anyone can do it at any age and fitness level. It’s also good for your heart, your head, and your wallet, since you don’t need anything extra and you don’t have to pay for expensive gyms.
You can skip your commute and walk to your work or schools and stores. In some cases, walking can be more effective than running in reducing the risk of heart disease. Walking not only minimizes your risk of heart disease, but it can also help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of many chronic diseases. A daily 15-30 minute walk can equate to 150 minutes of weekly exercise.
Walking has many physical and mental benefits:
- Research shows that walking regularly can modify your nervous system and you will experience decreased anger and aggression.
- It exposes you to sunlight which can help decrease Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
- It can also make you socially active as you can go for a walk with someone in particular such as your friend, relatives, relatives and neighbors. This helps improve your mood and lower your stress levels.
- It can also be beneficial for people who suffer from insomnia. Going for a morning walk outside will help you tune in to your natural circadian rhythms, which can help you fall asleep faster and deeper.
- The moderate and low impact of walking can help reduce symptoms and decrease pain for people with medical conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- It can also help strengthen bones and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- For people who suffer from joint problems, walking can be beneficial.
- As we age, walking may be important in reducing the risk of dementia and other brain disorders.
- It may be connected, but walking backwards can help improve your cognition, helping you think faster while standing.
- Regular walking can also help stimulate the part of the brain that is involved in learning and verbal memory.
- Regular walks help establish a routine that is more likely to continue with your other activities.
- Adding music to your walking experience can be a great way to de-stress as well as help you get into a faster walking rhythm.
So put on your walking shoes and walk towards a regimen of good mental and physical health!
