In the last blog, Physical Health Benefits: A Simple Path to Better Health, I focused on the physical health benefits of walking. To sum up the article, walking brings the following benefits.
- Fat Loss
- Heart Health
- Bone and Joint Health
Today, I will talk about the 3 Emotional Benefits of Walking.
Yes, walking is a straightforward exercise that most people can engage in. It boosts heart rate and blood flow while also encouraging joint movement. A brisk walk can even make you sweat. But let’s not overlook the emotional and psychological benefits that walking offers. These benefits can be significant, enhancing our overall well-being. Walking, with its many emotional benefits, is the focus of our discussion today.
Emotional Benefits 1: Mood Booster
Walking boosts your endorphin level. A brisk walk can trigger endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural pain reducers and mood elevators. Increasing your endorphin level makes you feel better by blocking the nerve cells receiving pain signals. Read this article by Cleveland Clinic for more information about endorphins. To get the mood-boosting benefit, keep the pace brisk, which means 60-75 % of your maximum heart rate. Or you can walk at a pace that allows you to hold a conversation still but with effort.
Emotional Benefits 2: Stress Relief
In my previous blog, I briefly mentioned the stress-relieving benefits of walking. Do you recall feeling relaxed after a day-long hike in the woods? Tired but relaxed. That’s the power of walking, especially in natural surroundings, to help you disconnect from daily pressures. For the best results, switch off your phone and stow it away in your backpack. Or leave it in your car. Free from the distractions of technology, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty around you, breathing deeper and feeling calmer.
Emotional Benefits 3: Enhanced Creativity
The benefits of walking on creativity have been known since antiquity. Famously, Greek philosophers often discussed while walking to deepen their conversations and explore new ideas. Now, some corporate leaders understand this relationship between enhanced creativity and walking and hold regular walking meetings.
Steven Rogelberg, PhD, who studies meetings, states, “Research shows that when you do a walking meeting, people report higher satisfaction and even more creativity.” Visit his website for more information on how to make your meeting more efficient and productive.
Conclusion
Walking brings so many excellent emotional benefits!
Emotional Benefit 1: Walking boosts your mood by pumping up those feel-good endorphins.
Emotional Benefit 2: Strolling through nature can melt away stress, especially when you unplug your phone.
Emotional Benefit 3: It sparks creativity, making it perfect for brainstorming or meetings. So, let’s add some brisk walks to our routines—they’re a fantastic way to boost our overall happiness and well-being! 🌟