The Joy of Walking
Human beings were designed to walk; from an early age we learn to walk and to run and we are meant to be outside absorbing nutrients from the sun and energy from fresh air and nature.
We are not designed to sit and yet increasingly, in a world where desk work, social media and video games predominate, we have become sedentary beings, encasing ourselves in artificially lit offices and often solitary bedrooms, sitting and lounging in ways that strain our backs and lead to chronic pain and listlessness.
We may try to counteract this by going to the gym or with short periods of high intensity exercise, but did you know that one of the simplest and most beneficial forms of exercise is quite simply to walk?
It is free, effective and it makes you feel fantastic.
A simple 10 minute walk in the morning will give you much needed light to reset your circadian rhythms, boost your energy and elevate your mood for the day ahead.
In the evening a similar walk will help you digest your food and prepare you for sleep.
Walking is often overlooked as a form of exercise, but its health benefits are legion. From improved heart health to mental well-being, here are just a few of the myriad benefits of walking:
1. Cardiovascular Health - Walking regularly strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation. It helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by keeping arteries clear and flexible.
2. Weight Management - Walking is a low-impact exercise that burns calories and helps manage your weight. By incorporating brisk walking into your daily routine, you may burn excess calories and help maintain a healthy weight.
3. Enhanced Mental Well-Being - Walking elevates mood and helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The rhythmic motion of walking, coupled with exposure to nature and fresh air, promotes the release of endorphins, our ‘feel-good’ hormones.
4. Stress Reduction - Taking a brisk walk acts as a natural stress reliever. It helps to clear the mind, reduces tension in the muscles, and promotes relaxation. Regular walking may also improve sleep quality.
5. Improved Brain Health - Walking has been linked to enhanced cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults. It promotes the growth of new brain cells and improves the connections between different areas of the brain. This may lead to better memory, focus, and overall cognition.
6. Increased Energy Levels - Regular walking boosts energy levels and helps combat fatigue. It improves circulation and helps in releasing tension and stress from the body, leaving you feeling revitalised and energised.
7. Better Joint Health - Walking is low-impact and therefore is gentle on the joints and may help improve joint health. It strengthens the muscles around the joints, improves flexibility, and acts as a lubricant, reducing the risk of arthritis and joint pain.
8. Enhanced Immune Function - Moderate-intensity walking has been shown to enhance the immune system by increasing the circulation of white blood cells, which fights off infection and disease. Regular walkers tend to experience fewer sick days and have a stronger immune response to pathogens.
9. Improved Digestion - Walking after meals can aid digestion by stimulating the movement of food through the digestive tract. It helps prevent bloating, indigestion, and constipation, leading to better overall digestive health.
10. Social Interaction - Walking can be a social activity if done with friends, family, or walking groups. It provides an opportunity for social interaction and conversation, which contributes to overall mental well-being and a sense of belonging.
11. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases - Regular walking has been associated with a reduced risk of disease such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and osteoporosis. It helps control blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, strengthens bones and lowers the risk of developing these conditions.
12. Improved Posture and Balance - Walking with can help improve posture and balance by strengthening core muscles and promoting alignment. This reduces the risk of falls and injuries, especially in older adults.
Walking is a simple yet powerful form of exercise, which offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
If you aren’t used to walking then start small; just a short 5 minute morning walk will elevate your mood and you can build up from there.
By gradually incorporating brisk walking into your daily routine, you’ll improve not only your overall health and well-being, but you may even find it leads to a happier and more fulfilling life.
