So the weather has finally broken in my area and I decided
to do my 4 mile walk across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge today (4 miles was a
sinch!). It was great to finally be out of the house and not have to worry
about any crazy cold weather. I definitely needed it as I was able to take in
the sights, sounds and fresh air in peace. Most of all, I was able to do some
spring cleaning of my brain!
to do my 4 mile walk across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge today (4 miles was a
sinch!). It was great to finally be out of the house and not have to worry
about any crazy cold weather. I definitely needed it as I was able to take in
the sights, sounds and fresh air in peace. Most of all, I was able to do some
spring cleaning of my brain!
Walking is not just good for fresh air. It helps in many
other ways too. Check out these interesting benefits from walking:
other ways too. Check out these interesting benefits from walking:
You can wave that
stress good-bye: Had a bad day? If you’re not the running type, walking
will definitely let your body de-stress itself from the days activities. If you’re
power walking, the sweat and physical movement can help you manage stress
better. Ultimately, your brain will be better prepared to deal with stress in
the future. You won’t have to deal with the detrimental effects that stress can
have on the body.
stress good-bye: Had a bad day? If you’re not the running type, walking
will definitely let your body de-stress itself from the days activities. If you’re
power walking, the sweat and physical movement can help you manage stress
better. Ultimately, your brain will be better prepared to deal with stress in
the future. You won’t have to deal with the detrimental effects that stress can
have on the body.
You’ll feel better
about yourself: If you’re like me and had those days where you’re feeling
discouraged in your new journey, taking a walk can change that around. Use that
time to battle out those negative thoughts that love to creep in during those
times when you’re down.
about yourself: If you’re like me and had those days where you’re feeling
discouraged in your new journey, taking a walk can change that around. Use that
time to battle out those negative thoughts that love to creep in during those
times when you’re down.
Beat those pesky
addictions: Tired of falling weak to those enemy foods? How about that cigarrete
habit? The mental relief your brain gets from walking includes the release of dopamine – also known as the “feel good” chemical. This is the same type of
relief you get when you cave into those unhealthy cravings. Walking can help
eliminate that and distract you from the no-no’s.
addictions: Tired of falling weak to those enemy foods? How about that cigarrete
habit? The mental relief your brain gets from walking includes the release of dopamine – also known as the “feel good” chemical. This is the same type of
relief you get when you cave into those unhealthy cravings. Walking can help
eliminate that and distract you from the no-no’s.
Inhale…exhale…relax:
Relaxation is something people always gain from walking. The great thing is
they don’t have to power walk, you can go for a lazy stroll and still reap the
benefits. Besides, doing some type of productive movement such as walking can
put your body into relax mode around bedtime. In other words, you’ll be able to
sleep at night.
Relaxation is something people always gain from walking. The great thing is
they don’t have to power walk, you can go for a lazy stroll and still reap the
benefits. Besides, doing some type of productive movement such as walking can
put your body into relax mode around bedtime. In other words, you’ll be able to
sleep at night.
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| Source: via Flicker – Cornelia Kopp |
Improve your social
activity: Walking along trails or wherever you can will cause you to meet
people. If that doesn’t happen, there are local organizations that hold charity
walks/runs such as my area’s 5K Fun Run/Walk they do every year. It’s a lot of
fun and you’ll get to meet new faces. This type of social activity is
definitely good for your mental health. If you’re starting over with your life,
you don’t have to do it alone. Make new friends who can be supportive.
activity: Walking along trails or wherever you can will cause you to meet
people. If that doesn’t happen, there are local organizations that hold charity
walks/runs such as my area’s 5K Fun Run/Walk they do every year. It’s a lot of
fun and you’ll get to meet new faces. This type of social activity is
definitely good for your mental health. If you’re starting over with your life,
you don’t have to do it alone. Make new friends who can be supportive.
Whether it’s indoors, outdoors, walking can be done to improve your health. Shake that winter grunge off and get moving!
What are your experiences with walking? Has it made a
difference in your mental and emotional health?
difference in your mental and emotional health?