Can walking change your Mental and Physical Health? Read How Walking Can Give Better Mental and Physical Health!
How Walking Can Give Better Mental and Physical Health
Are you aware that walking can give better mental and physical health? When you go for a walk, not only does your body benefit, your thinking and feeling changes as well.
Although we are aware that a half-hour walk in a green area, such as a path or park can do miracles for our total physical health, medical experts now have reasons to believe that it is also particularly useful for the heart and brain.
Scientific studies have shown that walking and other physical exercises can help in reducing the risk of debilitating diseases such as cancer and diabetes. In addition, professionals believe that walking also offers many psychological benefits. Such as exercise can sharpen our memory and increase concentration levels.
Physicians believe that even a short, brisk walk of about 12 minutes in a green environment can increase inner enthusiasm, happiness, self-confidence, and attention compared to sitting within the same time frame.
Your brain releases hormones called endorphins when you exercise. These have a positive effect on your state of mind. Exercise also produces hormones that can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and help relieve muscle tension.
How Walking Can Give Better Mental and Physical Health
Active people develop a sense of purpose and achievement. Having a walk gives you the opportunity to take your time, reflect and think. As self-esteem and confidence improve, you are also more likely to socialize with other people.
Engaging in regular activity with others reduces feelings of loneliness and builds a sense of belonging. These things play a key role in the prevention of anxiety disorders and depression. According to the 2016 assessment report of Heart Foundation Walking, 59 percent of walkers indicated that they like the social aspects of joining a walking group. Majority of walkers found it important for their mental, physical, and social well-being.
In addition, medical experts observed that people in communities with ample green spaces have a higher chance of being physically healthier.
Also to improving overall physical health, health practitioners explain that walking helps to boost self-esteem and reduce depression. In addition, medical experts believe that deep breathing exercises while walking can help some of the body’s systems that are adversely affected by stress. Also, these exercises have the added benefit of lowering blood pressure and even alter the expression of genes.
How much activity do you need?
Psychiatrists say a daily walk of a minimum of 12-30 minutes causes the body to release hormones, known as endorphins. As noted before the endorphins generally lift our spirits, reduce the perception of pain, and make us feel happier. Especially after a walk or a workout, and even comfort those who suffer from simple forms of depressions. The secretion of endorphins is helpful for our entire wellbeing, as it helps prevent illnesses related to stress and keep other bodily ailments at bay.
At least three times a week, exercise at least 30 to 45 minutes in moderation. But you do not have to do it at a stretch. Several short periods of 10 minutes during the day is beneficial for your mental and physical health.