Why Walking Should Be the Foundation of Your Morning
Why Walking Should Be the Foundation of Your Morning
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Why Walking Should Be the Foundation of Your Morning
What would you consider to be a productive day?
Maybe wake up early, get some exercise, drink a coffee (especially a STRONG Coffee), eat a healthy meal, and get your work done?
While all of us want to be productive people, we don’t often reach the expectations we set for ourselves. Day-to-day life can get very hectic, and when the day takes an unexpected turn, our priorities can easily get put on the back-burner.
So where does walking come into all of this? Keep reading to find out why now over 145 million Americans walk regularly
In this article we’ll discuss:
- Why Walk?
- The Physical Benefits of Walking
- The Mental Benefits of Walking
- How to Make it Enjoyable
Why Walk?
It’s no secret that one of the best ways to win your day is to win your morning. New research is even showing one of the best ways to do this is through the habit of daily walking.
Although daily walking is somewhat of an underrated health practice in the modern world, health experts are beginning to say otherwise.
The habit of daily walking can be a foundation for a great morning routine, and can bring a multitude of physical and mental health benefits into your day-to-day life.
Physical Benefits of Walking
Improves blood circulation
Ever go for a walk and feel your whole body loosen up? Your muscles ease up, your heart starts pumping, and you feel your whole body wake up. This is because walking helps lower your blood pressure.
Research found that walking at any pace can help lower blood pressure and improve overall blood circulation throughout the body. This provides a great way to wake yourself up and get the blood moving in your body.
Builds bone-muscle strength and endurance
Researchers found that one of the root causes of arthritis is weak bones. Weak bones not only leads to arthritis, they can also cause excruciating aches and pains throughout your body.
Research found that even mild, regular walking proved to strengthen bone-muscle and endurance. While daily walking won’t transform your physique, it's certainly a great way for you to build and maintain moderate muscle strength.
Improves immune system
One particular Harvard study found that daily walkers were significantly more protected from the flu. It found that the 1,000 men and women who participated in the study and walked had 43% fewer sick days compared to those who did not walk.
While it’s important to protect your immune system through medicinal practices, walking is a great natural boost for your immunity.
Mental Benefits of Walking
Increases creativity
A Stanford study found that walking led to a significant increase in creativity in its participants.
When looking at the research, it found that walking helps you look at tasks from a fresh perspective and generate new ideas. While all work related tasks shouldn’t necessarily be done on a walk, the tasks that require you to think creatively and solve problems could be made much easier.
Interestingly enough, one of the most famous psychologists of the 19th century, Fredirch Neitzhce wrote “All truly great things are conceived while walking.”
Combats depression and anxiety
Because walking helps increase blood flow and circulation in your brain, this can help prevent mental illnesses, particularly depression and anxiety.
Research has shown that walking has a positive effect on your central nervous system, and the area in your brain that regulates stress. Because of this, walking calms your nervous system, and in turn, helps regulate your stress.
Regulating the stresses of day-to-day life can prove to be incredibly difficult. Having an outlet to let all your worries and anxieties out at the beginning of your day can prove to be a cornerstone for a healthy mind.
While you should always seek medical advice from a health professional, walking is a great way to take an active approach to managing your mental health.
Improves your sleep
Everyone has at some point had issues with sleep. Whether it's not being able to fall asleep, not being able to stay asleep, or not getting restful sleep – you’ve probably been there.
Research has shown that one of the best ways to sleep better is through daily walking. Studies show that a brisk 20-25 minute walk can significantly improve your overall sleep quality.
Studies also found that being exposed to natural light can help regulate your circadian rhythm. Whether it's going for a short walk in the morning, or just stepping outside to get some sunlight, getting outside in the morning is a great way to improve your sleep habits and quality.
PRO TIP: Make it Enjoyable
One of the easiest ways to become an efficient, daily walker is by making the practice enjoyable. While walking in solitude can be valuable, walking with friends, listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts are also great ways to thoroughly enjoy your walk.
There’s no reason you can’t make your morning walk something to look forward to, it's as easy as making yourself a savory cup of STRONG Coffee.
If You Read Anything, Read This …
Daily walking can not only improve your physical and mental health, it can be the spark to a healthy, productive, and enjoyable day.
From strengthening your immune system, to increasing creativity, to even combatting anxiety and depression, walking is a wonderful way to optimize your health and wellness. Pairing your morning walk with a fresh cup of STRONG Coffee is a great way to maximize your energy and productivity.
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