Could you find the time for a brisk 30 minute walk a day? The benefits are truly inspirational!
In general terms we all know walking can be a great form of exercise, however we could all agree that we don’t walk nearly enough. Whilst sitting here writing this article I am feeling somewhat guilty that I haven’t managed a brisk walk today (must get out for lunch!). In this modern era of energy saving devices it takes a little bit more effort and organisation to find the time for a brisk walk, however if we do the benefits can be truly spectacular.
MOOD
Stress and depression in the workplace are increasing at an alarming rate accounting for 35% of all work related ill health cases. The use of antidepressants has also risen dramatically and, although very useful in many cases, any alternative would be beneficial. Walking has a dramatic effect on our mood has been shown to improve the mood overall and decrease the signs of stress and depression.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Some days you just cannot get your brain in gear, problems seem insurmountable and solutions much harder to find. On these days what we really need is a brisk walk. Getting away from your desk and boosting blood flow to the brain with a brisk walk has been shown to increase our creative thinking allowing us to find creative solutions.
“Walking opens up the free flow of ideas, it is a simple and robust solution to the goal of increasing creativity.”
WEIGHT LOSS
Many of us want to lose weight but can’t find the time or enthusiasm to pound the streets alone or get to the gym. Did you know that walking burns the same calories as running; it just takes longer to cover the same distance? So a brisk 30 minute walk a day (about 2 miles) burns the same calories as running 10km twice a week! And walking tones those areas we often want to focus on (legs, bums & tums!).
LOWER DISEASE RISK
Chronic diseases are on the rise, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes (type 2) and cancer. Studies have now proven time and time again that simply walking every day can dramatically reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases. Even if you already have a chronic disease walking can be used to treat these illnesses and reduce reliance on medication.
PREVENT DEMENTIA
Currently around 1 in 14 of us will develop dementia over 65 and that number decreases to 1 in 6 over the age of 80. Worldwide one new case of dementia is diagnosed every 4 seconds making cognitive decline the most pressing issue of the 21st century. Crucially there is now a wealth of evidence to show that walking regularly can improve the health of our grey matter and even bring back some grey matter that has been lost!
ANTI AGING
We all want to look and feel younger but walking can actually achieve this. A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress provided evidence that regular aerobic exercise triggers an anti-aging process that helped to repair old DNA, suggesting that it may delay the aging process.
Waking is one of the simplest and easiest ways to get active so take your first step today!
