Exercising is great for the mind body and soul. Don’t take my word for it, ask any health provider if this is true. According to author of the book the Doctor on Demand Diet, Melina B. Jampolis, MD,
Taking regular walks is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your health. Walking is the No. 1 exercise I recommend to most of my patients because it is very easy to do, requires nothing but a pair of tennis shoes, and has tremendous mental and physical benefits,”
There are so many great benefits of walking, here are the top 7 that nearly everyone can enjoy:
Walking Can Improve Your Mood
This is a no-brainer, taking a walk can help clear out the cob webs in your mind and can help you cool off if you are troubled over a subject or an issue. Sometimes it may seem easier to reach for a favorite snack like chocolate or ice cream after a rough day. I must confess that many times after a very stressful day, I will treat myself to a vanilla ice cream cone from McDonalds. According to their information, this has about 150 calories. By the time I finish, I typically feel relaxed and mellow. By no means am I suggesting this behavior, because it can have serious consequences if repeated on a frequent basis. On the other side of the coin, when you walk after a stressful day or meeting, it will help you tremendously in clearing your mind.
Research shows that walking can really help with improving your mood as well as helping the body overall. According to Melina B. Jampolis, MD, “Regular walking actually modifies your nervous system so much that you’ll experience a decrease in anger and hostility. Walking outdoors exposes you to natural sunlight, which can help avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—which can used as a potential antidote for the winter blues.
Walking Can Help Get Your Creative Juices Get Started
One of my secret tools in my creative tool bag is to take a brisk walk to help get my creativity started when I am working on a new project or trying to solve a problem. The brain just seems to open up and allow solutions to start pouring in after about 15 minutes into the walk. Typically I walk for 30 – 45 minutes, so by the time I am finished my walk, the creative solutions or strategies are ready to be out on paper when I go back home.
There was a study presented in the Journal of Experimental Psychology on Learning, Memory and Cognition about how walking can inspire creativity. They tested walkers vs. sitters on creativity. The results of the research showed that walkers thought more creatively than those that were sitting. This to me is not surprising because when I used to work in a corporate office, when I got up and walked around the office, it would help inspire creative thoughts and ideas. It is refreshing to know that the research actually supports my personal theories on this subject about walking and creativity.
Walking Can Help Your Clothing Fit Better
It makes perfect sense that walking can help your clothing fit better because it is a form of exercise. Almost any form of exercise will help you lose inches. I personally enjoy how quickly my body responds to walking on a consistent basis. Recently I went shopping and several items did not fit. The saleswoman in the store recommended their form of spanx to help the maxi dress fit better. The spanx actually worked, however, it was the most uncomfortable feeling. Several other women in the store also touted how they wear spanx daily under their form fitting clothing. I was really tempted to purchase this item, because I wanted the dress and my tummy was showing and thehip area was a little too tight. After trying on several more items, I decided to not purchase the spanx, and it was the right decision for me. I told myself in the mirror that I just needed to go for longer walks and do some core strengthening exercises to help with the tummy bulge. This was the best decision for me on this issue. I thought to myself, that if I was in a wedding or had a special event to go to and needed a formal gown to fit better, I would succumb to using spanx for this one special evening. But to use on a daily or regular basis, I would prefer to exercise and shape up.
Walking and exercising on a consistent basis has helped my body and my clothing fit so much better. In my current occupation, I wear jeans or khaki pants that have lycra in them, so I am not wearing form fitting dresses or skirts on a daily basis. Recently I started a rather consistent routine that is 60 minute workout with 30 – 45 min walking. My clothing has been fitting so much better, even items that I have not worn in years. My designer pants that are smaller sizes are actually buttoning up without having to hold my breathe. Of course not all of my old designer clothing fits because, I just do not think that I will have the same body that I did years ago and that is okay by me. I enjoy eating and drinking a glass or two of wine with my meals every now and then. When I was younger and super lean and thin, I did not eat that much, for a variety of reasons, some of which were the fact that I enjoyed wearing designer clothing and given my height they would not fit, if I were not super skinny. Thankfully, I do not chase that look any longer. I enjoy life, which includes eating great delicious foods.
Walking Can Help You Decrease Your Risk of Disease
One of the silent killers in this country that can be deadly yet prevented easily with diet and exercise is diabetes. Unfortunately, there are those that have diabetes naturally and can’t avoid it, but there is a form of diabetes that is avoidable if you have a balanced diet and you exercise regularly. A leading health association on the subject matter also agrees that walking can help keep the blood sugar levels balanced and help prevent diabetes. This is the American Diabetes Association that promotes the importance of walking in lowering blood sugar levels. In addition to diabetes, walking can help with lowering blood pressure.
Walking will Help Your Legs Look Great
Everyone loves a great pair of legs. Walking can help you improve how your legs look. Yes, the mere act of taking a brisk walk can do wonders for your legs.
Walking is Great for Your Immune System
Taking a brisk walk everyday is great for your digestive system and your immune system. It allows the juices to circulation throughout the body. Walking encourages movement in our upper Gastrointestinal system which is great for the body and the immune system. Personally after eating a large meal at the holidays, I love taking a walk around the block. This helps my food to digest easier and better.
Walking is Great for Achieving Your Goals
If you set a walking plan and accomplish it on a daily or weekly basis, it will help you achieve other goals. Setting and achieving your bite sized goals is something that will do wonders for your life in general because it is a feeling of accomplishment.
Remember, You Can Do It!