Are you feeling worried and anxious about work or getting stressed out from a hectic family and social life? Want to escape the daily routine just for a little bit? You’d be surprised at just how easy these common questions and problems are to solve.
Going outside for a casual or vigorous walk has various health benefits. Not just when it comes to your state of mind, but also from a physical perspective too.
Improve your mood
The prospect of exercise might not fill everyone with joy, but walking as well as other forms of physical activity causes your body to release endorphins, which are a kind of natural drug that can make you feel happier. Couple a walk with beautiful landscapes or scenery and your mood is bound to notably improve. Think about stepping out into the great outdoors more often if you’re feeling down.
Relieve stress
It’s quite remarkable how going outside and taking a few deep breaths can take some of the pressure off of stressful situations. It enables you to calm down, clear your head and think about what is really important. This feeling of clarity and relaxation can be even more powerful on a walk. You’ll return to work or home feeling refreshed, invigorated, focused and above all else, at ease.
Increase self-esteem
Another benefit of walking is that it can keep your weight down. Depending on how fast you walk, it is possible to burn up to 300 calories an hour, which can keep off some of those pesky pounds.
Together with a balanced and healthy diet, walking can bring about greater self-esteem, as you’ll no doubt be pleased with your leaner and trimmer figure.
Enhance health
From strengthening your heart and muscles to preventing various diseases and ailments, walking can enhance your overall physical health too.
Walking keeps your blood pressure in check, tones your calves, quads and glutes, lowers the risk of developing diabetes, asthma and some cancers, helps prevent dementia and osteoporosis, boosts vitamin D levels and gives you more energy. In fact, walking is a step towards putting many things right.
The next time you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, consider going for a relaxing, leisurely walk. Before you know it, walking will become a regular pastime. Just remember to have good quality equipment such as thermal tops and walking boots for men or women, as there is a chance you’ll catch a cold or suffer from blisters instead of becoming healthier and more fit!
Photo Credit
Image by versageek on flickr – Some Rights Reserved
Guest Author Bio
Rebecca Hurt
Rebecca Hurt is an adventure-seeking biology graduate, currently travelling around the globe. She likes photography and wildlife.
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