As we step into 2024, the time-honoured tradition of New Year’s resolutions descends upon us. During this period, we’re committed to finding ways to reinvent ourselves and start the year with a fresh perspective. We know two of the most common resolutions are exercising more and losing weight, and we also know that only 8% of people achieve them.
Amidst this fervour of aspirational goals and in a landscape dominated by splashy fitness trends, one quiet yet powerful strategy lies overlooked: walking. That’s right, in the pursuit of transformative change, sometimes we forget the effectiveness of simple activities. We’ll challenge the norm with this article and tell you all about the benefits of walking, and how it can get you closer to your goals, literally one step at a time.
Benefits of walking
1 – Burns calories
This one comes without saying. After all, all physical activities do that. However, one of the benefits of walking is that it is a low-impact exercise equally efficient in burning calories and promoting weight loss. A brisk 30-minute walk can burn around 150-200 calories, helping you maintain a healthy calorie deficit.
2 – It’s good for your heart
Regular strolls work wonders for heart health, a much-needed antidote in a world where many jobs keep us glued to our seats all day. It’s simple: walking strengthens your heart, improves circulation, and boosts overall health. All together, it lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other heart-related issues.
3 – Lowers the risk of chronic diseases
Walking decreases the risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. It aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels, enhances blood pressure management, and lowers the risk of abnormal cell growth.
4 – It strengthens your bones
It’s a gentle yet effective way to promote bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It also contributes to your balance and coordination, decreasing the likelihood of falls and injuries, and it’s especially beneficial for older adults.
5 – It’s good for your mood
Your regular stroll unleashes endorphins, those natural mood lifters that work wonders against stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Besides that, it offers a chance to declutter the mind, sharpen focus, and foster overall mental well-being.
6 – A boost for better sleep
Yes, it’s possible to stroll your way to better sleep. Turns out, regular walks do wonders for your sleep rhythm. They dial up melatonin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. All physical activity promotes a deeper and more restful sleep at night.
7 – It energizes your day
Walking kickstarts blood circulation, amplifying oxygen flow across the body and resulting in a burst of energy. Consistent physical activity battles fatigue builds stamina, and elevates overall energy levels, keeping you vibrant throughout the day.
