There have been times when I was all about being on the treadmill to get my cardio done. It was all about the quantity not the quality. Those workouts were fine when I was dropping inches and getting healthy, but they weren’t exactly the picture of mental clarity. Now that I’m steady and in shape my walks have become more about mental exercise and decompression. To me there is nothing like the serenity of a beach walk on a Spring or Fall morning.
There are benefits of getting outside, moving, and inhaling the fresh air. Amongst them are:
- Improved physical health:
- Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, as well as improve overall cardiovascular health. Walking can also help to strengthen bones, improve flexibility and balance. As someone who is already dealing with an Arthritis in her early 40s, my biggest fear is losing my mobility way too young.
- Increased mental-well being:
- Walking has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental well-being. Regular walking has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improve overall mood and feelings of happiness. As Elle Woods would say “Exercise produces endorphins, Endorphins make you happy.”
- Better sleep:
- Any activity will help get a body into a more regular routine and rhythm.
- Increased energy levels:
- Since physical activity increases body circulation and oxygen intake. Better circulation and breathing is going to eventually lead to an increase in energy.
- Improved focus and concentration
- Walking has also been shown to have a positive impact on focus and concentration. This is due to the fact that physical activity, including walking, has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain and improve cognitive function.
- In addition to improving focus and concentration, walking has also been shown to increase creativity. Sometimes you need to clear the brain to find that spark of inspiration.
- Stress management
- Walking has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being, making it an effective tool for managing stress and improving overall health and happiness. Sometimes we just need that escape for a little bit.
I’m never going to give up my actual work-outs. I know the benefits of mobility, strength, and flexibility training. I also know sometimes it’s the back to basics that really do work. A good walk is sometimes the re-centering part of my day where I get some natural Vitamin D, clear my head, and escape for a little bit.