Walk. It may be a less intense form of activity but walking does have its benefits. Besides improving physical and mental health, it can also prevent the onset of chronic diseases and help in weight loss.

Here are seven reasons why walking is good for your body.
 

Improved mental health

Stress can lead to a state of mental depreciation. One way to reduce anxiety and stress is by taking a walk. Walking boosts energy level and it’s a good way to declutter your mind as well. As you make it a daily habit, you will notice a significant change. Your focus will improve, and you will be more confident and positive. A study from the Journal of Psychiatric Research also reveals improvements in those suffering from depression who walked regularly 30 to 45 minutes per day for five days a week.
 

Prevent dementia

With the world’s ageing population on the rise, dementia is a real omnipresent threat. Regular exercise does help when it comes to prevention. According to scientists, regular brisk walks can slow down brain shrinkage and faltering mental capabilities (both of which do happen as we age). So take your brain for a walk regularly to keep dementia at bay.
 

Healthier heart

These days, diseases are a common occurrence even among the healthiest of us. But you don’t have to make radical changes to your lifestyle just yet. Instead, try walking. It improves cholesterol and blood pressure levels which means ultimately, it’s good for the heart. It can also help in diabetes prevention. To receive these benefits, the American Heart Association recommends walking at a brisk pace for at least 30 minutes every day.

Improved bones and muscles

Running, although is good for your cardio capability, is hard on the joints. Walking, on the other hand, is easier on them and helps to strengthen bones as well. Muscles and joints benefit from the walking movement resulting in a healthier range of motion and increased strength. It’s a gentler way to better bone health that could potentially prevent conditions such as arthritis.
 

Increases happiness

Exercise releases endorphins. Those feel-good hormones are what makes us happy and feel positive. You can get your dose simply from just walking.
 

Encourages better sleep and clearer skin

Walking improves sleep quality as being a form of physical exercise, it boosts the effects of natural sleep hormones like melatonin. When you get better quality sleep, you’ll soon start enjoying better health and clearer skin.

Weight loss

As walking is a low-intensity (and social even) form of exercise, you will most likely always find time to engage in it. It’s certainly a good way to burn excess calories and maintain a healthy weight.

Halley Medical Aesthetics’ nutritionist, Jean Tong, advices that to burn off extra calories is simply by moving! “Always remember the energy balance theory. For weight maintenance, calories that you take in from foods and drinks should equate to calories you burn through exercises. For effective weight loss, calories out should be more than calories in,” she advises.

So, whether it’s your heart or your mind that you’re looking to strengthen, consider taking a daily walk. Your body and skin will be thanking you for years to come.

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