Walking is the most underrated exercise. Even 30 minutes of walking everyday can give unbelievable benefits to people of all ages. The biggest advantage of walking is that it is cost-effective, easily fits into your everyday schedule, no need for fancy and expensive equipment, just a pair of sturdy shoes is more than enough. Walking provides innumerable benefits for physical and mental health. Here we have listed a few morning walking benefits that you must know!
Benefits of an Early Morning Walk
Sharpens Your Brain
No matter the age, walking helps to improve your memory and concentration. Walking releases endorphins, a neurotransmitter that boosts our mental health and sharpens our minds. In short, walking sends increased blood flow to the brain, which is linked to better cognitive function and increased memory.
Eases Joint Pain
Low impact activities help relieve arthritis pain, stiffness, and swelling. It’s because walking lubricates your joints which helps to decrease pain and stiffness. Walking is a low-impact exercise that builds muscles, increases blood flow to the cartilage, which automatically eases joint pain. Walking is indeed the best exercise for arthritis.
Boosts Your Mood
Have a bad day or want to kick start your day positively? Walking can lift your spirits by releasing endorphins, chemicals produced by the body to release stress and pain. Endorphins work similarly to opioids, a drug that relieves pain and gives you a strong feeling of happiness. Walking also has a positive influence on your central nervous response system.
Extend your Lifespan
Since there are many health advantages of morning walk, it automatically extends your lifespan. Research says morning walks, at least two hours per week, can help you live longer by reducing the risk of diseases. A Fast morning walk can add years to your life, says a study done on 4,50,000 people. Faster walkers live stronger than slow walkers.
Strengths the Heart
Walking is a form of aerobic exercise that increases your heart rate, strengthens your heart, and increases blood circulation throughout the body. Walking benefits your overall heart health by limiting high blood pressure, cholesterol, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. A brisk morning walk pumps your blood which is equal to a cardio workout.
Morning walk benefits more than the above-mentioned benefits. Here are some tips to incorporate walking into your daily routine.
- Make your walking routine fun by including your family, friends, or colleagues. It will also make your relationship stronger.
- Ditch your vehicle. Take a walk to buy your groceries and accompany your child to school by walking.
- Explore multiple routes. Walking the same route might be boring. So explore different neighborhoods by walking.
- Set goals. Use an app or wear a pedometer to track your steps.
- Listen to your favorite playlist or just enjoy nature.
