Walking is one of the most healthy activities in the world. It’s one of those things that you know you should be doing but maybe can’t motivate yourself to do.
If you’re able to walk, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be walking. There are so many benefits to walking.
In this article, we’ll go over just a few of the many ways walking improves your life.
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Weight Loss
If you’re trying to stay trim, you need to be walking.
Walking is a form of low-intensity exercise. If you’re new to working out, you should start with a few long walks before trying more rigorous workouts.
A brisk walk is one of the best ways to burn calories.
Alternate your walking paths. After a while, you’ll get tired of going the same route over and over again.
Variety is good for the brain and will keep you more engaged during your walks.
Walking in nature is the best for your brain and body. If you live in an urban area, search for a park.
Walking even just a few minutes every day can help you lose weight.
2. Reduced Anxiety
Walking has been proven to improve mental health.
If you suffer from anxiety or depression, walking is a great way to naturally regulate your emotions.
Walks are also an ideal form of stress relief. If you’re going through a tough time in your life, walking is a healthy release.
Walking can also help relieve negative side effects from drugs such as marijuana. There’s nothing wrong with taking marijuana, but if you don’t know your limits, you could end up with an unpleasant high.
Here is information from Veriheal on how to manage intense highs.
Ideally, walk outside. Being in nature is good for the mind.
If you don’t live in an area where walking is an option, use a treadmill or walk around your apartment.
It might seem silly to pace back and forth in your room, but it’s better than nothing.
3. Heart Health
Weight loss isn’t the only health benefit behind walking.
Walking has been proven to improve your muscles, including your heart.
If you have a history of heart problems in your family, you should be walking regularly.
Increased blood flow is one of the main benefits of walking. The faster you walk, the better of a workout you’ll get.
Walking is an ideal form of exercise because it doesn’t require too much energy.
If you’ve suffered an injury, walking is a great way to get back into the habit of exercise.
The lungs are also another organ that has been proven to improve tremendously with walking. Fresh air helps you clear out your lungs and breath better.
4. Endorphins
The reason why walking is so good for mental health is because movement produces endorphins.
Endorphins are a chemical that the body naturally creates to improve mood.
Endorphins are the chemical responsible behind the phenomenon known as a “runner’s high.”
You probably won’t get a runner’s high from walking, but you will notice an improved mood.
Variety is great for the mind, and walking is a great opportunity to learn something new.
Discover the diversity of the flora and fauna in your neighborhood. Or listen to a podcast.
Here is a list from Real Simple of some of the best podcasts to listen to while walking. If you’re going to be walking, why not learn something new?
5. Climate Change
Driving a car is not environmentally friendly.
Automobiles use fossil fuels and pollute the air. Walking is a carbon-neutral means of transportation.
Try walking to work. Or walk to the grocery store instead of driving.
Depending on your neighborhood, walking to work or the store could be difficult. If this is the case, a bike could be a good solution.
Encourage your friends to go for walks with you. It’s cheaper and better for the environment than driving to the movies or a restaurant.
If you’re really dedicated to reversing climate change, pick up trash along your walk and dispose of it properly. Mother nature will thank you.
Conclusion
Walking is an easy form of exercise and has so many benefits. These are just a few of the ways walking can change your life. So, get out there and go walk!
