6 Benefits of Walking

The health benefits of walking cannot be denied. Whether you walk one day a week or six, the returns  are always worth the investment. It's easy to get into, and pretty easy to stick to (especially if the dog needs to be walked!). The key is to keep all the benefits in mind and be consistent. It's so good for you!

Here are 6 Benefits of Walking:

1. Heart health. Walking regularly helps lowers blood pressure. This makes it great for your heart, because the #1 risk factor for a heart attack is high blood pressure. If we can lower blood pressure then we lower heart attack risk. 

2. Burns calories for weight loss. Walking is active and requires body energy, so it burns calories. The faster you walk, or if you walk up hill, the more calories you burn. In my experience, you will burn about  80-100 calories for every mile you walk. Walk 2 miles daily and you can burn off dessert!

3. Lowers stress. There's something about walking that relieves stress. The physical act of walking will relieve tension in neck and back, so there's that. Also, walking outside in the sunshine has another special way of reducing stress. The breeeze, the sun and the sounds of nature; it's sure to remind us that whatever went on at work is already a thing of the past. It helps us let go of what we cannot control and grab onto what we can control (our mindset!). Personally, when I walk or run, it helps me remember that God's in charge and to give it over to Him. 

4. Improves mood. Similar to the stress relieve, walking can improve mood. Maybe it's the whole stress relief thing? Once stress lowers we can think a little more clearly and we remember how good life is. Some studies show that walking can lower depression risk. 

5. Walking is easy. You can walk inside or outside. No special equipment needed. Most neighborhoods have a place to walk. I've even gone to walk at the mall or Wal-Mart on a rainy day. You can walk when you are in a different city and you can walk with any member of the family. You can even walk bare foot...on the beach!

6. Increases Energy. Walking for just 10 minutes has been show to increase energy for up to 2 hours! Try it!! Walking 20 or 30 minutes will boost energy for 3 or 4 hours. It's a great idea to try this on your lunch break if you have a desk job. It may make ALL the difference with how well your afternoon goes. 

So there you have it. This blog is for Lauren. She's a nurse in Arkansas and she's AMAZING. Enjoy Lauren!!