They don’t get any better than this. Here are the 7 best benefits of walking we all need to enact. Number 4 is why I walk.
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Walking is a simple and convenient form of physical activity that has numerous benefits for both the body and mind. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top benefits of walking and why it’s worth incorporating into your daily routine.
Did you know that the average person spends 10 hours a day sitting? (Source: “Sitting time and all-cause mortality risk in 222 497 Australian adults,” American Journal of Epidemiology)
Not exactly a number that we should all be proud of. Rather, we should be asking ourselves, “what is this doing to our mental well-being?” The answer seems clear, the less we move, the more anxious and depressed we are.
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While The correlation between sitting and mental health is not clear, there is nonetheless, good science to warrant further investigation. What is clear however, is that we shouldn’t wait for the final verdict. Rather, the sooner we start to move our bodies, the better we will be. You were quite literally born to move.
According to a review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the average adult spends around 8.2 hours per day sitting. This review analyzed data from over 46 studies involving more than 4 million participants. Other studies have found similar results, with some estimating that the average adult spends as much as 10 hours per day sitting. However, it’s worth noting that the amount of time that people spend sitting can vary widely depending on factors such as age, occupation, and lifestyle.
Here are a couple of citations from studies that have found that people spend an average of 10 hours per day sitting:
“The average American adult spends about 10 hours a day sitting, either at work or at home.” (Source: “The Health Risks of Sitting,” Harvard Health Publishing)
“The Health Risks of Sitting,” Harvard Health Publishing: This article discusses how prolonged sitting has been linked to an increased risk of various physical health problems, as well as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Read more about the study here
With all that in mind, here are 7 best benefits of walking according to science.
- Weight loss and management: One of the most well-known benefits of walking is its ability to help with weight loss and weight management. By burning calories and increasing your metabolism, walking can help you lose weight and keep it off.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Regular walking can help improve your cardiovascular health by strengthening your heart and increasing blood flow. This can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as lower your blood pressure.
- Stronger bones: Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, which means it can help strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This is especially important for postmenopausal women, who are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Better mental health: Walking has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, helping to reduce stress and improve mood. It can also help improve brain function and cognitive abilities.
- Increased energy: Regular walking can increase your energy levels and help you feel more alert and awake. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from fatigue or low energy levels.
- Improved sleep: Studies have shown that walking can help improve sleep quality and duration. This is likely due to the fact that walking helps to reduce stress and tire out the body, making it easier to fall asleep at night.
- Increased longevity: Regular physical activity like walking has been linked to a longer lifespan. By incorporating walking into your daily routine, you can help improve your overall health and increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.
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In conclusion, walking is a simple and effective way to improve your physical and mental health. It’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine and can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels. So, put on your walking shoes and start reaping the numerous benefits of this simple, yet powerful form of exercise.
We here at The Road To Mental Wellness are rooting for each and every one of you 🤗
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