Did you know that walking at least 30 minutes per day can have multiple benefits? Walking has the ability to aid in healing external injuries while also healing the mind by enhancing better overall well-being.
Curious to know more? Here are 3 reasons why walking should become a regular staple in your life.
1 – Improves Overall Well-being
Mental health has recently been recognized as a major factor in overall health and well-being. Numerous studies have shown that getting out for a daily walk has the ability to lower anxiety and stress, lower adrenaline and cortisol and boost energy levels.
Included in this study, walking 3 days per week at 10-30 can decrease the feelings of depression while adding a consistent exercise regimen can lower blood pressure and heart disease by 43% in just twelve weeks.
Walking can also promote social interactions with friends or family. Keeping yourself and others accountable can keep the activity consistent and fun as well. Additionally, going for a coffee break or lunch walk can be a great way to break sedentary positioning and makes the workday more enjoyable.
2 – Heals Injuries
Did you know that walking can be crucial in injury or even surgical recovery?
Studies have shown that incorporating walking as part of your rehabilitation post-injury can reduce recovery time at the normal rate and can help maintain levels of fitness. A Harvard study also shows that walking can also aid in easing joint pain and arthritis specifically in areas such as the knees and hips where osteoarthritis is susceptible.
If you decide to try walking as part of your rehab journey, start small. Recovery time will vary depending on age, injury and physical ability. Create a routine that is right for you and your specific needs.
3 – Boosts Immunity
A strong immune system in recent years has become very important. Studies have shown that walking every day for 30 minutes 5 days a week can decrease your chances of getting the yearly flu. In addition to this study exercising at least 3 days a week showed boosted this result by 26%.
Walking or movement is vital for pumping oxygen into the bloodstream as it stimulates cell production, helping fight infections and other types of illnesses and inflammation. Not only this but improving lung functionality increases cardiovascular health.
Don’t forget that a daily dose of vitamin D is also imperative for your immune system as this nutrient is not something our bodies naturally produce. Get out and get those rays of sunshine as often as possible!