Walking is Underrated

By Fran DeNunzio

I think most people can agree that exercising regularly is an essential part of being healthy. It contributes to better physical and mental health, helps reduce stress, supports restful sleep, and has an overall positive impact on a person’s well-being. However, it can be easy to get caught up on the idea that in order to get exercise, you have to engage in a workout that will leave you sweating and out of breath. While workouts like that are certainly great for you, the reality is that we don’t always have the time or energy for them. 

Walking and other cardio exercises work your large muscles, pushing your heart and lungs to work hard. Over time, this makes your heart stronger, decreasing your resting heart rate and blood pressure. Although walking is something we may not consider a rigorous exercise, it is a simple way to fit your steps into the day! There are many physical and mental benefits of taking a daily walk as well as incorporating a walk into your exercise routine. 

Walking is a low impact exercise. It won’t give you the same results that high impact exercises like running or cross-training will give you, but that is a good thing. It’s important to give your body a break every once in a while, as repeated stress on your joints and muscles can cause soreness and joint pain. Because walking puts less stress on your body, it is a great exercise for days when your body is feeling tired and needs a rest from your normal workout routine. In addition, walking promotes improved blood circulation. This increased circulation leads to more oxygen flowing throughout your body, which helps to boost your energy levels. There are many other physical benefits to walking, especially long term benefits such as better heart health and enhanced endurance. 

As far as mental health benefits, walking can be a very effective means of reducing stress and clearing your mind. If you feel overwhelmed with school or just life in general, and can’t seem to focus, going on a quick thirty minute walk can make a huge difference. Slowing down, taking in the outdoor sights, and letting your mind wander during stressful times can help you think more clearly. Since walking does not take much thinking, it allows you to open your mind and stray from whatever may be causing you stress or worry. It’s a nice relaxation for your brain, as you truly don’t have to focus your attention on anything in particular. If you are suffering from writer’s block when working on an essay, take a walk. Allowing your mind to wander during walks can prove to be really beneficial for creative thinking and generating new ideas. The change in scenery during a walk provides you with new stimuli that lets your mind float from one idea to the next, rather than your focus being consumed by one thing. 

So if you are feeling burnt out from your regular workout routine, don’t have time to go to the gym, or just need a break to clear your thoughts, go take a walk. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day!