How walking can change your life

I have to be honest, I hate how long walking takes. Personally, I’d rather run and get my exercise finished in half the time it would take to walk the same mileage.

That said, my family has a bad history with knee problems, so it would be beneficial for me to walk instead.

That isn’t the only benefit, though. There are so many physical and mental benefits of walking outside.

In this article, we are going to look at all of those.

Happier

When you walk, your brain releases happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine. Walking outside has shown to lower rates of depression and anxiety.

Brain

Walking tells your brain to release BNDF which is a protein that helps promote the creation of new brain cells and can ward off memory loss.

Not only that, but it also helps your learning, reading, cognition, and the size of your brain.

Additionally, it helps prevent the developments of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Physical health

There are several physical benefits to walking regularly.

• Lower blood pressure
• Lower risk of heart attack
• Lower risk of lung cancer
• Strengthen bones
• Can help you lose weight
• Increases Vitamin D intake
• Lower stress on joints
• Reduce the risk of stroke
• Increase your metabolism
• Increase production of collagen (i.e. better-looking skin)
• Better sleep
• Boost immune system
• Lower risk of Type 2 diabetes

Creativity

Walking outside and getting the blood moving gives your mind a chance to wonder, and can trigger creative ideas that can help your relationships, work, or inspire you to start a business.

Engage

When I’m walking, I usually put a podcast on. I’m constantly learning, and listening to something engaging while getting exercise is a win-win.

Sometimes, however, I’ll walk without listening to anything except for the sounds the world creates. It is beneficial to step away from the craziness of life now and again to relax and appreciate all that you have going on.

Statistics

• A regular walking regimen is shown to lower your risk of heart attack by 35%
• Can lower your chance of developing lung cancer by 30%
• Just 90 days of moderate walking can increase blood flow to the brain by 15%
• Walking increases creative output by 60%
• A 10-minute walk does just as good a job of relieving anxiety and depression as a 45-minute workout
• Walking for just 15-minutes can reduce your allergy symptoms by 70%
• You can add seven extra years to your life by exercising daily, no matter what you weigh
• For each dollar you spend on preventative health, you save $2.71 on future health costs

Conclusion

The benefits of walking, specifically walking outside are very clear. It’s good for your physical health and your mental health.

Get outside and get stepping!