10 Reasons to Take Up Walking
You wish to be healthy and fit but might not have the enthusiasm and energy to meet your goal. By the end of the day, perhaps you’re tired and stressed; the last thing you want to do is a full workout at the gym. If this scenario sounds familiar, why not take up walking to keep in shape? Not only is it free and simple, but it also comes with many benefits.
Heart Health
Walking’s a fantastic cardiovascular exercise that reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease. When you walk, bad cholesterol (LDL) levels go down while good cholesterol (HDL) increases. According to the Stroke Association, one half-hour walk a day reduces high blood pressure and associated diseases by 27 percent.
Boost immunity and lifespan
Walking reduces the symptoms of menopause and the visibility of varicose veins. It also increases production of killer T-cells, which are essential for fighting disease. Too much sitting shortens life expectancy, while physical activity can increase your lifespan by seven years. Move more by walking every day and you’ll have a superior immune system and time to enjoy improved health.
Lessen depression
Exercise stimulates feel-good hormones. When you’re depressed, you might not have the get-up-and-go to work out, but walking need not be as strenuous as other forms of exercise. Gentle and calming, it encourages hormones that increase happiness and counters helplessness and despondency.
Connect with nature
People rarely spend much time in the natural environment outside their front door, perhaps underestimating its ability to help them relax and have fun. The whole family will enjoy getting out among nature. Doing so is particularly good for children, as they can forge a link with nature that lasts as they age. Lone walkers benefit too by enjoying solitude while experiencing calming surroundings.
Increase present-moment awareness
Walking helps you to be here now. People live much of their lives in the past, fretting about what’s happened, or in the future, worried about what is yet to come. Because they aren’t present, they miss the beauty surrounding them and don’t engage with what’s going on. Mindful walking, like breathing, helps you stay in the moment; as a result, you are less prone to distraction.
Weight loss and maintenance
People often give up their gym memberships as soon as they reach their ideal weight, and soon afterward, the pounds and inches pile back. Walking might be a more effective and sustainable method of weight loss. It’s a viable exercise plan that’s easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.
Brain health
It’s wise to take a daily stroll as a brain-maintenance measure. Studies show regular walks decrease the likelihood of dementia. Stroll for about six miles over the course of a week and your brain won’t shrink as rapidly as you age.
Peace of mind
The average person faces multiple stressors every day. How you deal with challenges depends on the state of your mind when they occur. Walking can aid the peace and tranquillity that comes from emptying your mind. Like meditation, going for a walk helps you step out of your everyday concerns and reduces external stressors.
Increase vitamin D
Most people need to go outside more, as they are deficient in vitamin D, which aids a healthy immune system and bone health. If you don’t get enough, your risk of cancer and diabetes increases. Few foods have vitamin D, so it’s tough to get enough in your diet. Walking outdoors in the sunshine, however, will easily help you meet the quota required for well-being.
Reduce falls in the elderly
Walking reduces your risk of falling as you age. Your brain adjusts to encountering slopes and uneven ground, making it less likely you’ll have an accident. Regular walks could help you stay upright and mobile into retirement and beyond.
Given all the brilliant benefits walking affords, missing out would be a shame. Include an evening stroll or lunchtime ramble in your daily routine, and you will reap the rewards. You can expect better heart health, increased immunity, and reduced stress. You’ll be able to connect with nature, achieve inner peace, and stay in the moment and in shape. On top of these advantages, you are likely to enjoy better stability and brain health as you age.