6 Surprising Benefits Of Taking a Daily Walk
We understand that sometimes there are limitations as to what we can or cannot do physically. The thought of getting active can be daunting to some, while others may be physically limited as to what they can do. But we are here to assure you that reaping the benefits of daily activity does not have to translate to hours in the gym or intense workouts. Research has shown that simply taking a 30-minute walk a day can harvest many long-term health benefits.
1 in 5 Americans, or about 50 million people, suffer from chronic pain daily.
1. Alleviates stress
Walking has the ability to naturally raise your endorphins, which improve your mood and trigger positive feelings within the body. A study conducted at California State University, Long Beach, showed that people who took more daily steps were happier than those who took fewer daily steps. On top of making you feel less stressed, these endorphins also have natural pain-killing abilities. Not only will you be better mentally, but also feel better physically, as highlighted in our guide on mindfulness for pain management.
2. Lowers your blood pressure
Walking 30 minutes a day has the ability to improve your blood pressure. Your blood vessels are surrounded by smooth muscle cells. These smooth muscle cells contract and relax, and what determines this is the amount of sympathetic tone. Walking is believed to decrease this sympathetic tone, hence lowering blood pressure. This benefit is similar to the effects of exercise on pain and inflammation.
3. Keeps you looking young
Taking daily walks increases your body’s production of collagen, which is responsible for keeping your skin looking smooth and youthful. On top of increasing your body’s natural production of collagen, walking also decreases your odds of developing varicose veins by improving your body’s natural circulation. This is akin to other beneficial habits that promote overall well-being.
4. Increases life expectancy
You can live a longer life by walking regularly. Evidence suggests that those who exercise regularly, such as walking, in their fifties and sixties are less likely to pass within the next eight years by up to 35% compared to those who are not active. Regularly being active can increase those odds to 45% if someone struggles with underlying health conditions. Daily walking can significantly improve your longevity.
5. Slows mental decline
A study conducted at the University of California San Francisco of 6,000 women aged 65 and older found that natural age-related memory decline was lower in those who walked more. The results of the study found that those who walked for 2.5 miles a day had a 17% decline in memory, while those who walked less than half a mile per week had a 25% decline in memory. This highlights the importance of maintaining mental health through activities like conscious breathing.
6. Decrease your pain levels
When you are in pain, your natural inclination may be to avoid movement at all costs in fear of worsening it. In reality, if you do not use your muscles and joints, your pain will often become worse. This can lead to inflammation, making you feel even more pain or discomfort. Understanding the truths and myths about inflammation can help you manage this better.
Try wearing your LUMINAS Relief Patches during your walks or exercise to help combat pain and inflammation before it occurs. It’ll make your daily walks easier and more enjoyable. Remember, your daily activity does not have to be strenuous. Start with a walk down the block and work your way up from there.
