I’m a walker and I’ll praise the benefits of walking over any other form of exercise until my dying day. Steve Jobs was also a walker. He used walking, not only as physical exercise, but as time to contemplate and problem-solve. But there are a ton of mental and physical benefits that can come from taking a daily walk.
1. Mental Benefits:
- Reduce stress. Walking releases stress. I often walk when I’m feeling a little stressed at work. The result is always positive.
- Boost happiness. When we walk, it’s easier to let go of worries and concerns and simply focus on the moment.
- Improve confidence. Any kind of exercise can help improve confidence. Walking is no exception.
- Prevent memory loss. The more you walk, the less absent-minded you can become.
- Boost brainpower. Some of my best ideas for writing come to me while I’m walking.
- Inspire creativity. When I’m in a creative mode, but get temporarily stuck, a walk almost always helps to bring new ideas to the surface.
- Increase relaxation. Walking can be an active form of meditation.
2. Physical Benefits:
According to the American Heart Association, walking helps:
- Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
- Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Improve blood lipid profile
- Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
- Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
- Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes
I currently walk at least two miles most days. I’ll make a point to continue walking as long as I physically can. It benefits me both mentally and physically.
And that’s why I walk. – dse
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