Exercising is vital for long and healthy life. However, you don’t have to do intense cardio workouts and go to the gym every day to see an improvement in your health and well-being. Do you only have time and energy for a short daily walk?
You may be happy to know that walking has many long-ranging health benefits. Many fitness and health experts consider walking the most underrated form of exercise. Unfortunately, most of us don’t walk enough due to our car-centric cities and communities.
Why should you walk more? What are the benefits?
It’s Almost Effortless
Many people struggle to find the motivation to go to the gym or for a run because these activities require prior preparation. Nothing is easier than going for a walk because you don’t need to do anything beforehand.
The versatility inherent to this form of exercise is a very appealing factor. You can walk anywhere, anytime. Adding more walking to your daily life is incredibly easy. You can go shopping.
You can walk to your local park or go on a sightseeing tour of your city. Thus, you will get your dose of exercise while also checking other things off your to-do list.
Walking is easy and rewarding, but if you want to make the most of it, plan your walks in terms of distance and time. It can be helpful to know your walking speed. Then you can determine how long it will take you to get somewhere. On average, it takes around 15 to 20 minutes to walk a mile.
It Can Improve Your Mood
Going for a walk has many well-documented benefits for mental health. It can reduce your stress levels and improve your mood. If you’re an overthinker, walking can help clear your mind by eliminating all the stressful stimuli from your visual field.
As you walk, your brain gradually releases endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals that promote happiness.
We are born to be active, and going for a walk satisfies this deep-seated need for activity without exhausting us.
It Promotes Better Cardiovascular Health
Walking is a low-impact exercise, but it has tremendous health benefits. It can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Most importantly, it promotes better cardiovascular health and thus reduces the risk of heart disease, which is the most common cause of death and disability among the elderly.
If you want to protect your heart health, walk at least 30 minutes daily. You don’t have to walk 30 minutes in one go. Smaller amounts of walking throughout the day have the same health benefits.
Lastly: It Will Help You Enjoy a Longer Life
Due to the cumulative benefits for mental and physical health, walking regularly can add many healthy years to your life. People who walk daily experience fewer health risks, have stronger immunity and are less vulnerable to stress.
Thus, it’s not farfetched to say that walking can increase lifespan. To experience all the benefits of walking, consider adopting a brisk or fast pace.
Final Words
Walking more can make you healthier and happier. This activity is inscribed in our genes, so never say no to a walk.
