Stop Everything and Go Take a Walk
Living a sedentary lifestyle has become the new normal for many people. From spending hours sitting in front of a computer screen at work to binge-watching TV on the couch at home, most of us spend far too much time sitting down. This sedentary lifestyle has a detrimental impact on our health and well-being. The good news is that there is a simple solution to this problem – walking. Walking is a fantastic form of exercise that is accessible to almost everyone, and that has incredible health benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore why everyone should stop everything and start walking.Blog post description.
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Why Everyone Should Stop Everything and Start Walking
Living a sedentary lifestyle has become the new normal for many people. From spending hours sitting in front of a computer screen at work to binge-watching TV on the couch at home, most of us spend far too much time sitting down. This sedentary lifestyle has a detrimental impact on our health and well-being. The good news is that there is a simple solution to this problem – walking. Walking is a fantastic form of exercise that is accessible to almost everyone, and that has incredible health benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore why everyone should stop everything and start walking.
Another reason to stop everything and start walking is that at least 40% of people here in the U.S. are morbidly obese; obese, or overweight. Walking down the hall, or 10k steps, and/or everything in between can improve your health, and sometimes we have to start small and work our way up for optimal benefits.
1. Walking improves physical health - Walking is a low-impact exercise that puts less strain on your joints than high-impact exercises like running. However, it still provides excellent cardiovascular benefits, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
2. Walking improves mental health- Not only does walking have physical health benefits, but it also has a positive impact on mental health. Walking can help reduce anxiety, depression and stress levels, and promote feelings of well-being. This is the MOST GLORIOUS time of year to walk, or begin a walking program. Walking also gives you a chance to get out into nature, which has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and stress levels.
3. The most accessible form of exercise - One of the great things about walking is that it is accessible to almost everyone. You don’t need any specialized equipment or gym membership to start walking. All you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and you’re ready to go. (I am a walking-fanatic and I don’t own a car, so, I walk between 10k and 15k steps per day wearing my Teva flip-flops, or Crocs. I haven’t had to buy a new pair of walking shoes for several years).
Walking barefoot on grass, dirt, or sand is a great way to reduce stress by decreasing levels of cortisol. Grounding experts say that walking barefoot is particularly beneficial first thing in the morning. This helps activate your nervous system and improves your mood.
4. Walking is social - Walking can be a social activity which makes it more enjoyable. You can go walking with a friend, family member, or two. Walking is also a great way to meet new people as you can easily join walking groups in your community. For me, when I walk, I listen to books or podcasts. One book I really enjoyed this past year was RFK’s book on Fauci. The narrator was good and it was easy to listen to. However, I really enjoy listening to horror stories, SCI-FI, crime novels, and other fictional literature. (Let me know in the comments if you have a book recommendation for me).
5. Walking is easy to incorporate into your lifestyle - With hectic work, family, and life schedules, it can be challenging to find time for exercise. But walking is an easy way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. You can walk to work or take a walk during your lunch break, park your car a few blocks from your office, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk to the grocery store instead of driving. I shop at the grocery store on a daily basis, because I walk. I can’t carry more than one day’s worth of shopping. Carrying the shopping bags homes helps with core strength and stability. I also add some of my purchases to my back pack for more weight-resistance, as well.
Recently, I took a walk with my oldest daughter Carly. She has also grown-up to be a dedicated walker, and she is FAST!. Faster than her 66-year-old mom, but I keep up with her. That day, Carly gave me a very nice complement, she said, “Walking helps keep me balanced. Thanks for giving me the example of making walking a daily-priority my entire life.” See how actions sometimes do speak louder than words!?
Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. It has numerous physical and mental health benefits, and is one of the best things you can do for your overall well-being. It's easy to incorporate into your daily routine, and if you have been struggling to find the motivation to get active, walking is an excellent place to start. So why not stop everything right now and take a walk? Trust me (and Carly), your body and mind will thank you for it.
If you can only go 100 steps today, go 110 steps tomorrow—you get the picture!
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As always, Bee Max Healthy encourages everyone to check with their trusted health care provider before embarking on a new diet, supplement, or exercise plan.