Walking is often an underrated form of exercise. There are many benefits to walking we don’t talk about, and walking has even been lauded as a better workout than running by scientists. We’ve outlined some of the best benefits a daily walk can have for you below.
Better sleep
Walking more during the day can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
Reduced risk of heart disease
By taking a brisk walk for at least 30 minutes each day, you can greatly reduce your risk for coronary heart disease.
Improved digestion
Taking a short walk, especially after a meal, can improve your blood sugar level and aid in digestion by stimulating movement in your gastrointestinal system.
Stronger bones and improved balance
Walking can reduce your risk of bone fractures and increase muscle strength, leading to better balance.
Energy boost
The movement of walking increases oxygen flow throughout the body and increases hormones and chemicals in your brain to give you an energy boost
Improve your mood
Walking is great for your mental health and can help improve mental health conditions, self-esteem, stress levels, and negative moods.
Increased creative thinking
One study found that people are better at generating innovative ideas when walking compared to sitting.
Ease joint pain
Walking can reduce joint pain by lubricating and strengthening muscles around the joints.
Help curb a craving
Walking can reduce cravings by increasing dopamine in your body leading to greater satisfaction and creating a healthy distraction from food cravings.
Stronger immune system
Studies have found that walking, like any exercise, may decrease your risk of getting a cold or the flu and may decrease the severity of a common illness.
Walking is an excellent, low impact way to add more exercise into your day. Plus, there are plenty of easy ways to achieve more steps. Try parking further away from your destination, walking the dog, using your lunch break to move around, exploring a local park or downtown area, or walking around your neighborhood each time you talk on the phone.
For more information on incorporating more walking into your day, visit https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/walking-for-health/ .
