Today is National Walking Day. This is a day to celebrate the easiest way to be healthy: walking. While a walk may not seem like much activity, studies show that walking just 30 to 60 minutes each day can dramatically improve your health and prevent chronic illness. As you’ll see below, I’ve shared the ways a walk can benefit your overall health. Once you’ve finished reading, grab your sneakers and head out for some fresh air!
A healthy heart: Walking can improve your heart health. A daily walk can improve your cholesterol levels and blood pressure and fight weight gain. All of these contribute to a healthier heart.
Walk to lower your risk of disease: Every step you take leads you toward a healthier life. Physically active people may live longer and have a lower risk of chronic diseases.
Walk the weight off: Walking at a moderate pace for just 30 minutes can burn up to 150 calories, and combined with a healthy diet, you may find that you lose weight. It is essential to maintain a healthy weight to prevent chronic illness.
Keep your Joints healthy: You may worry that walking will put more pressure on your joints. But the opposite is true. Walking can send more blood and nutrients to your joints. The best thing you can do for your joints is to keep moving, and walking is a great low-impact workout that anyone can do.
Happiness is a morning walk: Walking can contribute to your happiness and well-being by releasing endorphins – the “happy” hormone. If you walk outside, being out in nature can boost your mood. But walking can contribute in many ways toward your happiness. A walk can promote a sense of accomplishment, and as humans, we crave achievement. When you walk, your brain receives a boost of oxygen, optimizing brain function and an overall sense of well-being.
Hippocrates said it best, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” So today, and every day, take some time for a 30 to 60-minute walk. It is okay to break it up into several shorter walks. The important thing is to move. Walk and be happy. Walk and be healthy!
