Four Benefits of Taking a Walk

Walking Will Help to Improve Your Health

Ever feel like your world is caving in around you, and all you want to do is get away from it all? Well, in a way you can, go outside and take a stroll? According to a recent poll, 29% of the poll takers stated that they use walking as a technique for coping.

Step outside for 20-30 minute stroll can do wonders on your mind and body. You will be surprised at what the walk will do to your mental state. Physically you will feel fresh and rejuvenated, and as a bonus, you’ll feel more focused.

So how does walking help reduce your stress levels?

Walking helps bring you into a meditative state
The common theory behind meditation is it’s to help calm the mind. When one walks the brain tends to naturally calm down. When the mind is calmer, one can switch their attention to reflections, a state of blissfulness or daydreaming. Once you have entered this stage during your walk, stress’ tend to lift, leaving you in a better state of mind ready to face your challenges.

Brisk walking boosts energy levels
There are times for a relaxing stroll and then there is a brisk walk. You may think that by walking, you are bound to feel tired afterward. But the opposite is true. Making walking a part of your daily routine helps reduce stress and increase your energy levels. Higher levels of energy mean less fatigue leading to increased productivity.
Research has shown that there is a high correlation between walking and reduced fatigue. Many people use their lunch break to squeeze in a quick 20-30 minute brisk walk to release built up stress and get them through the rest of the day. You will not only feel refreshed but energized as well.

Release of Endorphins
When one walks the body tends to release hormones known as Endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and have been said to help reduce stress. When one walks, the body is left well oxygenated which in turn improves cardiovascular activity. Walking boosts release of endorphins which will give you that good mood feeling.

Stress relieve through group walking
Companies across the country are always promoting group walks for their health and wellness programs. Aside from the benefits of these group walks have proven to be more beneficial than just pure physical exercise. Having walking buddies will help reduce stress in your life. When you walk as the group, a lot of talking takes place. Talking while walking is therapeutic and will leave you less stressed since you get to share your thoughts, ideas and possibly frustrations with the group. Sometimes, problem-solving suggestions and brainstorming can occur during these walks, which can reduce stress in one’s life. Walking as a group will also help tighten your social bonds.

Change Your Mood.
November 1, 2011