There’s nothing more important than getting up and walking. Regardless of whether it’s five, ten, or twenty minutes, strive for a daily goal of 25 to 30 minutes. Not only does walking get your body going and your joints loose, but it also offers significant benefits for your mind and overall health.
The Mental Health Benefits of Walking
Walking helps to burn adrenaline and cortisol, stress hormones that can weaken our bodies and cause inflammation. By reducing these hormones, walking promotes relaxation and the secretion of endorphins, helping to synchronize mind, body, and soul.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Walking has a profound effect on your cardiovascular system. It lowers your LDL (bad) cholesterol, raises your HDL (good) cholesterol, decreases triglycerides, and reduces blood pressure. Walking also increases metabolic rate, helping with weight loss, burning calories, and eliminating belly fat.
Immune System and Bone Health
When walking in the sun, your skin absorbs vitamin D, an essential nutrient for a strong immune system and bone health. Regular walking also strengthens your bones according to Wolf’s Law, a principle that states that bones adapt to the load under which they are placed.
Creativity in Walking
Feel free to mix up your walking routine by occasionally walking backward. This practice places different types of stress on various parts of your body, strengthening your quadriceps, relieving sacroiliac joints, and improving knee health. It also boosts coordination and balance.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Walking after meals can help to lower your glucose levels, particularly if you’ve consumed refined or processed foods. It helps combat insulin resistance, reduces insulin levels, and prevents your body from storing excess fat.
Neurological Benefits
Regular walking can help to prevent dementia, improve focus and concentration, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It promotes better balance and coordination, making it a beneficial activity if you’re feeling lightheaded or mentally foggy.
Digestive Benefits
Walking aids digestion, helping to reduce bloating and water or salt retention. It stimulates peristalsis in the colon, making it an excellent natural remedy for constipation.
Mental Health Benefits
Walking is a potent tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. It promotes the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, chemicals that can help to improve your mood and create feelings of relaxation and happiness.
Walking has incredible health benefits, from improved physical health to enhanced mental well-being. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or foggy, give walking a try – it can work wonders. Remember, any walking is better than no walking at all. Gradually build up to 20, 25, or 30 minutes per day or every other day. As you continue to walk, you’ll notice significant changes in your health and state of mind. Remember, never give up; every step counts.
References:
The Health Benefits of Walking
Walking and Activeness: The First Step toward the Prevention of Strokes and Mental Illness
Neural predictors of gait stability when walking freely in the real-world
EFFECTS OF BACKWARD WALKING ON GAIT PARAMETERS IN PEOPLE WITH STROKE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW