The Magic of a Simple Walk
You hear it often - go on a daily walk! But why? Why is daily movement, such as a simple walk, such an important component to a daily routine? Why is it highly worth making a walk part of your daily routine and rhythm?
Daily walks offer a range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits, contributing to overall well-being. Here are some reasons why daily walks are important:
1. Physical Health:
Cardiovascular Health: Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that helps improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and circulation.
Weight Management: Regular walks contribute to calorie burning and can aid in weight management and control.
Joint Health: Walking helps maintain joint flexibility and can be easier on the joints compared to high-impact exercises.
Movement doesn’t need to be intense to provide solid physical health benefits. Movement is different than working out, but still plays a huge part in being physically well!
2. Mental and Emotional Well-being:
Stress Reduction: Physical activity, including walking, is known to reduce stress by triggering the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters.
Improved Mood: Regular walks can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety and enhance overall mood.
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
If you are in a season of stress, give your adrenals some support by incorporating a simple walk. Walking reduces that stress, helps regulate blood sugar and cortisol, and can support your mood, too. All things our adrenals directly affect and walking can help support their role in our daily wellbeing!
3. Social Connection:
Opportunity for Social Interaction: Walking with friends, family, or pets provides an opportunity for social interaction, contributing to a sense of connection and community.
Get your family out with you! While having set apart time for self-care, which can include a walk, is going to be an important part of your day, for many to be able to include a walk in their routine, bringing the kiddos or friends along may be a way you can make it work. And it has great benefits too - not just for you, but for them as well. We all need a good dose of fresh air, vitamin D (which you can get even when the sun isn’t out!), and movement daily!
4. Better Sleep:
Regulated Sleep Patterns: Regular physical activity, such as walking, has been associated with improved sleep quality and can help regulate sleep patterns.
This is an important one to remember! I know personally I sometimes forfeit movement for a nap. And while a delicious nap can be restful and helpful, movement is most supportive in the long run! Keep this fantastic benefit in mind as you move through your day and see how much more rested you find yourself in the day-to-day!
5. Increased Energy Levels:
Boost in Energy: Rather than causing fatigue, a daily walk can boost energy levels and combat feelings of lethargy.
Like mentioned above, prioritizing movement will support you feeling more rested and finding yourself having more energy throughout your day! Feeling off, sleepy, and just wanting to sit? Hop up and take a walk - even 10-15 minutes will be a support for you!
6. Bone Health:
Maintains Bone Density: Weight-bearing exercises like walking help maintain and improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Our bodies are meant to move! They are meant to be strong, move well, and support us. Walking is a way we can give back to ourselves and support our body’s support of us.
7. Improved Immune Function:
Enhanced Immune System: Regular moderate exercise, like walking, has been linked to improved immune function, reducing the risk of illness.
As winter approaches, supporting our immunity is always on our minds! How can we help stop what feels like a revolving door of ick and illness in our home? On top of other great immunity supporting tools you may have in your toolbox, add a walk in there! Even on those chilly winter days, bundle up and get out for just a bit - your immune system will thank you!
8. Enhanced Creativity and Productivity:
Cognitive Benefits: Physical activity has been shown to enhance creativity and cognitive function, which can positively impact work or daily tasks.
Feeling like your brain is moving through sludge? Take a walk! Needing a creativity boost to help you get over a slump? Take a walk! Remember, it doesn’t have to be a big, long thing! Just 10-15 minutes will support your brain in functioning at its best!
9. Accessible and Inclusive:
Easy to Incorporate: Walking is a simple and accessible form of exercise that doesn't require special equipment or facilities. It can be easily incorporated into daily routines.
Sustainable rhythms and routines rely on simplicity. Keep your walk simple and low-key and you’ll find it sustainable, and soon something you can’t miss!
10. Nature and Fresh Air:
Connection with Nature: Walking outdoors provides an opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy fresh air, and experience the benefits of being in natural surroundings.
Our digital world, while full of benefits, has caused us to become disconnected. Not only to our immediate community, but our world. Being in nature has always been found to be calming, inspiring, and a place where people become more rooted to themselves and the world around them. When the weather allows it, take that walk outside (and remember, this is a way to keep it simple and not have to go anywhere for it).
Daily walks contribute to a holistic approach to health, promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and a better quality of life. It's a simple, yet powerful, routine that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. It doesn’t have to be fancy, long, and you don’t have to get ready and go anywhere. It’s as simple as pop on walking shoes, grab a water, and go.
Simplicity is key to creating viable routines and rhythms in our lives that are sustainable and highly beneficial. That’s the beauty of a simple walk.