The more you move, the better it is for your physical health, maintaining a healthy weight and your mental health will thank you, too. Anytime you have the opportunity to walk and get in extra steps, do it. When you park the car, park a little further away than normal. Every hour on your lunch break, get up and walk around. Go for a quick walk after dinner with the family. Every little bit adds up and getting movement not only is healthy for your heart, joint pain and improving balance, getting in your extra steps while the sun is shining reaps even more benefits.
Walking in the Sunshine
The sun can give you positive feelings anytime, and when you add a brisk walk to the equation, you get more where that came from. From improving your mood to producing more Vitamin D, it can also prevent obesity, help clear your skin conditions and shine a ray of light on your mental health. The benefits don’t stop there - walking can lower your blood pressure, help you get more zzz’s and improve your cognitive function, too. So next time you decide to go out for a walk, be sure to catch some rays while doing it whether first thing in the morning or after a busy day with the family. Why? Sunlight helps boost a chemical in your brain called serotonin which can give you more energy and help keep you calm, positive and focused on whatever lies ahead.
Walking, Cardiovascular Health and More
As for your cardiovascular health, or the health of your heart and blood vessels, increased cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and lung) fitness can reduce risk of heart disease and stroke and walking falls perfectly under that category. If you are at risk for hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes or muscle/joint pain or stiffness, walking regularly can improve all of that. As we grow older, our bodies also have a natural mechanism for removing old bone and rebuilding new bone, however, around the age of 50, we start losing bone faster than we can build it. In fact, due to this accelerated process of bone loss, women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density within five to seven years following menopause. Luckily, adding a daily stroll to your workout routine can help maintain bone strength plus improve your balance. All in all, no matter your age, walking is the one of the best ways to help you live a longer, healthier life.
Walking can offer numerous health benefits to people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s free and easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules. All you need is a sturdy pair of walking shoes. So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend and try out these simple ways to sneak a walk into your every day routine:
Play with the Kids - Just a quick game of basketball or hide-and-seek with the kids can add in a significant amount of steps.
Get a Furry Friend - Dogs need to walk a lot - the perfect opportunity for you to take them out before and after work and a mindless way for you to get in your exercise, too.
Invite a Friend - Talking and walking with a friend helps make the time go by - before you know it you’ve walked a 5K!
Explore the Outdoors - Head to a local lake, discover a new trail or head to the park and you may be surprised on how many steps you get in.
Binge Watch While You Walk - Watching your favorite Netflix series or listening to a good podcast helps pass the time.
Play Your Favorite Hits - Music is good for the soul!
Take the Stairs - Skip the elevator and take the stairs instead.
Take Frequent Walk Breaks at Work - Every hour, walk the sky-walk, take an extra coffee break and get outside for some fresh air if the time and place allows for it.
Do Outdoor Work - Outside chores such as gardening or mowing the lawn are great ways to get in steps and some strength all at once!
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