I love going for a walk, do you?
Walking is a simple but effective form of exercise which costs absolutely nothing. You don’t need special equipment, gym fees or fancy gear to go for a walk. All you need is comfortable footwear and a bottle of water to enjoy the many benefits which walking regularly will bring.
- Walking Reduces Stress and Lifts Your Mood
There have been many studies that show walking regularly reduces stress and makes us happier. Reducing stress helps our health on so many levels. The ideal is obviously walking in nature, a literal ‘walk in the woods’ or a brisk stroll on a long beach. However, for many of us that’s not possible, so walk to work if you live close enough. Alternatively, park your car further away from your place of work or get off the bus, train or tube a few stops earlier than you would normally and walk the rest of the way.
- Walking Helps You Manage Your Weight and Strengthens Bones
Walking helps keep your weight under control with little effort. Not only that, it tones your body without having to go to the gym. According to a study by the University of Oxford, walking also helps to increase bone density, thus staving off the onset of osteoporosis.
- Walking Lowers Blood Pressure, Give You Energy and a Good Night’s Sleep
It’s a proven fact that those of us who walk regularly have lower blood pressure, less heart attacks and strokes, and have higher levels of HDL. A good walk also energises us, clears our minds and helps us become more productive beings. Like all exercise, a long walk is recipe for a good night’s sleep.
- Walking and Disease Prevention
The 2014 World Alzheimer’s Report clearly states that regular exercise is one of the best ways to stave off dementia. The University of Pittsburgh found that elderly people who walked at least 6 miles per week had less brain shrinkage than their sedentary counterparts. Walking is also recommended for those suffering from diabetes, as walking can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce weight.
As mentioned above, walking is good for stress. Being stressed over long periods of time means our immune systems aren’t functioning at optimum levels; this can lead to a variety of diseases, including cancer. A simple regular walk is good for mind, body and soul.