Walking is a recreational activity with multiple health benefits to offer. Be it a morning or evening walk, this simple physical activity seems to be quite underrated. Whether you are going experiencing stress or anxiety or just want to change your view, going for a walk every day can serve many purposed.
Some suggestions to build walking into your daily routine include:
- Take the stairs instead of the lift.
- Get off public transport one stop earlier and walk to work or home.
- Walk to the local shops.
- Walk the dog.
Health Benefits
- Walking is a weight bearing exercise which builds muscles and maintains strong bones. It improves bone and muscle strength, coordination and balance. This in turn helps in preventing falls and fractures and improves overall health and mobility.
- Walking for 15-30 minutes a day regularly can help you deal with pain and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). You can also walk around your house or your lawn during your periods to reap the benefits.
- Whenever you feel low, overburdened with responsibilities, stressed or anxious, give yourself some time, leave everything that you are involved and go for a nice and refreshing walk. You can walk in your own house’s balcony, in the society or the part outside your house. It will help you feel less low and may even make you feel light at heart.
- Walking help in regulating blood sugar levels and thus reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Exercising helps muscles absorb blood sugar and prevent it from building in bloodstream.
- People who walk daily for at least 30 minutes have better metabolism which helps them burn extra calories while preventing muscle loss. Walking is considered a gentle form of cardiovascular exercise, which can help you stay in shape.
- Walking for at least 15 minutes a day or about an hour every week can prevent arthritis pain in old adults.
- Walking has been shown to improve symptoms associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Even if you are not suffering with any mental health diseases, just getting out of the house or office will do you a world of good.
- Getting older is associated with decreased mobility and increased fragility, but walking every day can help turn the tables. The more exercise you get in your youth, the less chance you have of developing physical disabilities when older.
