Taking a walk may be one of the most underrated forms of physical activity. Though it is a simple action that people require to do every day, there are many health benefits of walking more.

By simply walking an extra 30 minutes a day, this can help you burn fat, build up cardiovascular strength, strengthen bones and joints as well as boost your mood.

Walking is probably the most simple exercise you can do. Moreover, just by walking that little bit more, in the long term, you’ll notice that it will improve your physical and mental health. Here are a few reasons why walking more will improve your life.

Taking a Walk to Get Fit And Active

There are many sports and physical activities to help people get active or fit. It depends on what kind of activity you prefer. If you don’t have a sport or physical activity you commit to, then walking is perfect for you.

Walking can be as simple and easy as you want it to be. You can start with low intensity and increase to high intensity. The point is, keep moving. By walking 30 minutes a day, you’ll notice the many physical health benefits including:

  • Reduced body fat
  • Strength in muscles and joints
  • Increase your energy levels
  • Better sleep at night
  • Reduced stiffness

If you already have a physical activity or sport you’re committed to; you can incorporate walking into your physical activity routine. Even if you already are an active person, including an extra few walks in your week can help boost your strength, body and mind.

Just remember not to burn yourself out as some sports can be very physically demanding. Be sure to get enough rest.

Walking To Boost Your Mood

Walking can significantly benefit you mentally. As physical activities help your body release endorphins, this will help to boost your mood as well as enhance your mental endurance.

Whether you’re having a tough day or a rough night, just walking will help you relieve any stress you may have. Now walking is not a solution to avoiding your mental problems, but it can help alleviate any stresses you may have.

Research shows that regular walking modifies your nervous system so much that you’ll experience a decrease in anger and hostility.

Getting extra exposure to sunlight as opposed to natural sunlight also helps you avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), making it a potential antidote to midnight or winter blues.

How To Increase The Walk And Make Walks Interesting

As walking is effortless and straightforward, there are ways you can make it more enjoyable or fun.

By keeping your walks interesting, you’re not only getting the physical work done, but you can also enjoy the experience even further with the below tips:

  • Use the stairs instead of the lift.
  • Get off public transport one stop earlier and walk to work or home.
  • Walk instead of driving to nearby shops
  • Walk the dog (or your neighbour’s dog)
  • Put on some earphones and listen to music or podcasts

Head over to the Okadoc app to immediately book an appointment with your health practitioner.