Walking Makes You Healthier And Happier - Mature Health Center

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Walking Makes You Healthier And Happier

You've heard people say walking is good for you, and maybe you are tired of it. But, there is little argument against this statement anymore, as the facts are pretty overwhelming. Even so, not enough people make time to walk. There are many options for transportation these days, not to mention leisure activities that take up down time. It is easier to sit on the couch after a long day or evening meal than it is to put on tennis shoes and go for a walk. But the latter is what you need to do.

Finding time to walk every day will benefit you greatly. But, if you need a bit more convincing, consider the reasons why walking should be taken seriously.

Strong hearts prevent disease: Walking has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. This doesn't mean you must walk for hours to make your heart healthier. In fact, walking as little as 20 minutes a day will get the job done. Walking also helps manage cholesterol by removing plaque in your arteries. Additionally, a healthy heart decreases your risk for diabetes, breast cancer and obesity.

Walking keeps off weight: Reducing food intake is the main way to keep weight down, but walking increases blood flow and helps burn off calories. Dropping weight is not going to happen all at once, but staying consistent in your walking schedule will help your body shed those calories it doesn't need.

Mental health means happiness: Moderate exercise can be as effective as antidepressants, reported Tesco Living. Being in motion releases endorphins into your bloodstream, which are the body's happiness triggers. By taking a walk, you are relieving stress and anxiety and you may not even realize it. Be healthy physically, but also take care of your mental health too. Nothing can function properly without a healthy mind.

It is easy to talk about the benefits of walking (and there are many more), but it's not always easy to squeeze in the time. Well, you are thinking about it too hard. Finding the time to take a 20 minute walk doesn't have to be difficult at all. In fact, the Mayo Clinic made recommendations for staying consistent with your daily walks.

Plan a routine: When deciding when to fit a walk in, take a step back. Don't just think about today, think of every day. Is there a time that works best and allows you to keep the same schedule every day? Whether first thing or the morning or after dinner, getting into a routine will help you form a trend, and then it will just be a standard daily practice.

Have a partner: You don't have to walk alone. When you are just getting into the habit, having a partner by your side will greatly help you get going and stay after it. You should motivate that person as much as you want that person to inspire you. However, sometimes going for a walk by yourself is a good idea, as it allows you to think and relax in a way you can't when other people are around. It's up to you — just make sure you take the walk.

Don't forget to stretch and dress appropriately. While walking doesn't require special shoes, it is good to have support for your feet and ankles. Not to mention you will be more comfortable.

Just take it day by day, and trust that the little bit of exercise every day will help you be healthier, stronger and happier.