The Mental & Physical Benefits of Walking

The Mental & Physical Benefits of Walking

Walking has many physical benefits on our bodies, but it also has many emotional and psychological benefits. Particularly walking outside, can truly help you relax and can be even considered a way to meditate. Whether you enjoy the sounds of nature or want to listen to music, walking even 20 minutes a day outside can help you relieve stress, get a breath of fresh air, wake up your muscles, all while getting some vitamin D. In this blog, I hope I can inspire you to get outside and start making a walk your new healthy habit!

Physical benefits

  • Maintain your weight.
  • Improve cardiovascular health and blood pressure.
  • Increase your metabolism and aerobic capacity.

Walking on a treadmill will provide you these physical benefits just as well as walking outside. Walking for long or short periods of time can be a great way to stay toned and maintain a healthy weight, improve your metabolism and improve your overall heart health. Try getting extra walking in by parking farther away, walk places within distance instead of driving, and try to view walking to exercise even if it’s a short distance. 

Mental or emotional benefits

  • Improves your overall mood.
  • Decreases stress and anxiety.
  • Improves your sleep routine.

Walking outside for even a short period of time will give you these mental and emotional benefits that will help you to in a way take time to relax and meditate. Walking outside clears your head that allows for stress relief and a way to either start, take a break, or end your day. Walking outdoors as a form of relaxation will also help your sleep. Not only are you getting exercise, but you are relaxing your mind and taking care of your mental health. 

I hope this blog has inspired you to add walking into your routine. Going to a gym and weightlifting or walking on the treadmill can be a great way to relax, but do you notice when you walk outdoors it goes by much quicker than if you just walk on the treadmill? Being outdoors and walking can be mindless and highly relaxing that has both physical and emotional benefits on your body. 

Strive for progress, not success!

Kayla Withrow