With the busy lives we lead, it can be tough to commit to a regular exercise routine for ourselves and our families. But if there is one activity that is accessible, easy, and enjoyable, it is walking. Walking is a perfect exercise and almost everyone can do it. Kids, adults, and seniors, all need to go for regular walks to reap the benefits.
Having worked from home for many years and then again for the past three years, you can feel disconnected from people and what’s happening outside. Getting outside for 20 minutes helps me clear my head and calm my day. On days when the kids were crazy, it provided a well-needed break that brought calm back.
Here are 10 benefits of walking that you and your family shouldn’t ignore
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Walking is known to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, and as a family activity, walking is an excellent way to protect your loved ones from heart disease. Through walking, you increase the flow of blood throughout your body, allowing the heart to pump blood and oxygen more efficiently.
Strengthens Bones and Muscles
Walking has a positive impact on your posture, strengthens your core muscles, and tones your body. As you take steps, the impact of your feet hitting the ground actually stimulates bone cells in your legs and feet, encouraging them to grow stronger. Additionally, walking engages multiple muscle groups throughout your body, including your legs, core, and upper arms. Over time, consistent walking can lead to stronger and more toned muscles throughout your body, while also reducing the risk of bone loss and conditions like osteoporosis.
Stress Relief
Walking provides an excellent opportunity for relaxation and stress relief. During a walk, your mind has a chance to relax and reflect, reducing the intensity of stress. Exercise triggers endorphin release, which helps to relieve feelings of anxiety and depression.
Increased Energy Levels
Regular Walking releases endorphins into your system, which can elevate your mood and help you feel more energized for longer periods. As a result, you become more productive and engaged in activities throughout the day.
Weight Management
Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help you maintain a healthy weight. By incorporating a brisk walk into your daily routine, you can burn extra calories and maintain a healthier body weight.
Improved Concentration and Focus
Regular walking can also help to improve your concentration and focus because it increases blood flow to your brain, which can help with cognitive function.
Improves Sleep
Studies have found that regular exercise, especially activities like walking, can help you fall asleep faster and achieve a deeper sleep. Walking not only tires out your muscles, but it also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, common culprits of sleepless nights. Additionally, exposure to natural light and fresh air during a walk can help regulate your body’s internal clock, ensuring that you feel more alert during the day and more relaxed come nighttime.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Walking is an excellent way to lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Studies have shown that regular walking for 30 minutes a day can reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points.
Strengthens Family Bond
Walking is an excellent opportunity to strengthen family bonds. It is a simple way to spend quality time together, in which everyone can participate. Walking is an activity that can be enjoyed jointly by all family members, regardless of age or fitness level. It allows you to catch up on what your kids have been up to and then ask you things they may not have had time to. We have some of our best talks when we’re on walks. We’ve also had some good fights too. Communication is important and it’s easier to do when there is nothing else distracting you.
Shows Kids Their Neighborhood
When you take your kids on a walk, you show them the beauty of the neighborhood they live in. They see the different types of trees and flowers in their neighbour’s yards, the different types of architecture on the homes, and the simple joys of being outside. They also meet your neighbours and learn about your community.
Walking is one of the most effective ways to keep your family healthy and happy. Kids learn from their parents, and by incorporating regular walking into your family’s routine, you are teaching your kids to prioritize their health and take care of themselves. Walking requires no equipment, you can do it almost anywhere, and it’s a great way to bond with your family.
Over the years, I have used it as a way to turn a bad day around. Crabby baby – take them for a walk. Unhappy toddler – walk. The fresh air and change of scenery does wonders for a tough day.
So, put your walking shoes on, grab your family, and go for a walk!
