Here are ten ways walking can boost your health, reduce stress and make you happier.
Walking is a simple activity that most people can do anywhere. This is why walking is an effective way of exercising and an excellent complement to any physical fitness routine. A good walk can boost your happiness, improve your health, keep you in shape, and prevent chronic disease.
10 Weird Ways Walking Can Improve Your Health and Happiness
Relieves Stress
Walking is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety because of its calming effect on the body. It can help you think more clearly and reduce your blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, walk for 30 minutes a day can reduce stress by taking as much as 20 percent off your risk for heart disease. It also helps your body repair itself, even if you’ve been sitting still for a long time. Feeling stressed? Take a walk!
Boosts Immunity and Health
Research shows that people who walk regularly have more vital immune systems than those who don’t, and they’re better able to fight off colds and flu. The reason? Walking can increase your production of antibodies (the protein produced in response to foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses) by up to 50 percent! It also helps control cholesterol levels and blood sugar, protecting you from heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. And did we mention walking enables you to shed pounds? A brisk 30-minute walk can burn about 200 calories—that’s about one pound every two weeks!
Keeps Your Brain Fit
Research shows that walking improves the blood flow to your brain, which keeps it healthy and happy. Studies have shown that when seniors increase their walking, they score better on cognitive tests than those who don’t. So walk your way to a more innovative mind!
Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Studies have shown that people who walk regularly report less anxiety and depression than those who don’t get much exercise. So if you are feeling down, take a walk in the park—it may be just what you need!
Walking Helps You Sleep Better
Walk regularly helps you get the best sleep possible. But it doesn’t stop there; it also helps increase how long you sleep by making you tired earlier at night!
Walking Makes Your Heart Healthy
Walking strengthens your heart by increasing the number of blood vessels in your heart, which increases the amount of oxygen that reaches your heart muscle. It also lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, preventing plaque build-up in your arteries. A study published in 2011 found walking to work was associated with a 32 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors compared to driving to work. It also helps lower blood pressure, which is one factor that contributes to stroke risk.
Keeps Joints Flexible
Walking regularly keeps joints flexible, which can reduce your risk of injury. It also helps prevent stiffness in joints caused by aging or arthritis.
Walking Helps Prevent Diabetes
Its a great way to keep your blood sugar levels steady. You’ll help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by increasing your muscle mass and improving your body’s sensitivity to insulin. These steps can also help you lose weight if you’re overweight or obese.
Walking Can Help You Lose Weight
Walking is excellent for burning calories and losing weight. A 150-pound person will burn about 100 calories every 15 minutes while walking at a brisk pace. Walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week, and you’ll lose about 1 pound per week. That doesn’t sound like much, but you’ll see significant results if you make a habit of it over time.
Improves Your Mental Health
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, taking a walk outside can help calm you down. Just be sure to avoid walking alone at night in dark places with no cell phone reception; that’s when people tend to get attacked or mugged. Instead, try walk with others during daylight hours in well-lit and populated areas with other people.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new way to boost your health and happiness, I highly recommend walking. It’s free, can be done almost anywhere, and the benefits are numerous.
