Collaborative Post
In these uncertain times, we have certainly had more emphasis placed on physical health and well-being than ever before. It extends beyond the purely physical to also incorporate our mental health too, and it is clear that problems causing pain will affect us in that area.
Taking care of ourselves can be the key to not only a healthier life but a happier one too as the exercise that leads to a higher standard of health can make us feel good too. And no, it doesn’t have to be high intensity, a hardcore activity that has you exhausted and sweating within minutes of starting!
No, whilst raising your heart rate and being out of breath is undoubtedly good for your body and will help improve your heart health and circulation, this can be achieved through activities such as walking. The restrictions we have seen in lockdown have seen us only able to leave the house to buy food or medical supplies but also to conduct one form of outdoor exercise per day. With no other option, so many of us have started taking a daily walk, and this is a practice many should continue. Read our 5 health benefits of a daily walk to find out why…
- Aides other medical problems
There are specific ailments that can simply debilitate their sufferers, one of them being migraines. The strenuous activity might have brought on an attack in the past, meaning many would avoid exercise altogether. Actually, walks can reduce migraines by increasing blood flow and movement of your joints and muscles.
- Releases endorphins
This is a scientific way of saying walking will make you feel happier! Endorphins are the hormones which promote such feelings which is why we get a boost when we exercise. Doing it everyday will encourage those feelings more frequently leading to a better outlook and general happiness.
- Access to fresh air
Being cooped up inside all day in our relatively airtight and insulated homes means that we aren’t breathing the freshest of air. Getting out and about will promote this, particularly if you are able to walk in the countryside or areas of reduced pollution.
- Exposure to sunlight
Whilst the sun’s rays can be harmful if they are too strong and damage our skin, but there are substantial health benefits to absorbing some of them. They facilitate the production of vitamin D within the body, for example. Furthermore, our body’s natural sleep rhythm is aided by exposure to light, so getting out into it will help you sleep better, even when it’s limited in winter.
- Keeps you grounded
Few things are more humbling than realising you are part of a much bigger universe and so it is important to acknowledge this and the role that everything must play and how to maintain your health is very much vital. We often get caught up in ourselves so appreciating some natural and expansive beauty can help put some of our issues or even our hang-ups into perspective.
If you’ve started walking each day, then make it part of the routine you carry forward into the next phase of your life. You really will reap the benefits!