Walking: The Easiest Path to Health and Happiness

By Stepy Kamei

Wouldn't it be great if there were one simple task we could do every day which could boost our mood, improve our physical health, and increase our energy and productivity throughout the day? Well, the good news is that there is indeed an activity which can provide this for us -- walking! Yes, the simple act of going for a walk has been known for a while now to bring about a wealth of benefits to our physical and mental well-being. Keep on reading to learn more about what exactly makes this simple activity so worthwhile -- and how you can start incorporating more walks into your routine.

An Easy Pathway to Fitness

One of the most prevalent threats to our collective health today is a lack of movement due to a largely sedentary lifestyle. While it's important to rest every day as needed, and to not overwork our muscles, the body still does need to move every day. Any form of regular movement and exercise can help prevent a wide variety of health issues, from cardiovascular disease to obesity to depression.

This is where walking can come in as a helpful stepping stone to a more active lifestyle. You can start by just taking a simple walk around the block in the mornings before starting work, or in the evenings after dinner. You can also continue to make choices which ensure you're adding more movement into your routine throughout the day. For instance, try to choose to walk rather than drive whenever possible. You can also choose to take the stairs instead of an elevator to boost the amount of steps you take each day! Making this simple yet important choice can make a big difference in your physical health over time.

Boost Your Overall Mental Health

In addition to improving your digestive system, sleep patterns, and overall physical well-being, studies have shown that people who go for walks tend to experience decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Any sort of movement, even just walking, is a great way to release stress and other negative energy from the body. Furthermore, getting outside provides your body access to Vitamin D, which is known for increasing feelings of happiness and energy in the body and mind.

How to Get Started

If the idea of jumping into an intense fitness routine sounds too intimidating, going for regular walks is a great way to ease into a more active lifestyle! Try to find the time either early in the morning, or in the evenings after dinner, to simply take a walk around your neighborhood. You can start with short walks around your block, progressing to longer and longer walks as you get more comfortable over time. You may want to walk with a close friend or family member to make the walk more enjoyable, and have a sense of accountability as an added bonus.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Albuquerque, N.M.