I literally live five minutes away from the seaside, and I simply love walking and jogging along the seashore. On Monday mornings I go for a light jog before I start work, and during the weekends I prefer long walks to nearby fishing villages. After work, in the afternoon, I may go on a restorative walk to recharge.
Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise, offering numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the benefits that come from walking:
Weight Management: Walking can help with weight loss and weight management, as it burns calories and boosts metabolism without putting undue stress on the body.
Cardiovascular Health: Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that can improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate, blood circulation and oxygen intake.
Muscle and Joint Health: Walking can strengthen muscles and joints, improving overall mobility and reducing the risk of injury.
Bone Health: Walking can improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases.
Immune Function: Walking can boost the immune system, reducing the risk of illnesses such as colds and flu. It’s so easy to add a walk and talk instead of meetings indoors.
Mental Health: Walking can improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mood and self-esteem, and promoting better sleep quality.
Cognitive Function: Walking can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and concentration, especially in older adults. I always come back from a walk with lots of ideas and I feel clear-headed.
Longevity: Walking has been linked to increased longevity, with studies showing that regular walkers live longer than sedentary individuals. Hooray! The future is bright!
Quality of Life: Walking can improve overall quality of life, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving overall physical and mental well-being. If I had a challenging day, I always feel better after a walk.