Taking a Walk

I have been seeing more and more research around how beneficial walking can be. I can also personally attest to the benefits as someone who tries to incorporate daily movement and walking into my routine. I have found the following benefits: I sleep better. I feel more energized. I feel more productive after the walk. I feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed. I see things differently (almost like the stressed lens I previously had is gone). I overall just feel better.

Walking is also beneficial for your cardiovascular health, strengthening joints and bones, boosting one’s mood, and allows for new perspectives to be taken into consideration. Dr. Mark Hyman shares that walking is a great creativity booster as well. He also explained that brisk walking stimulates endorphins and dopamine while lowering the primary stress hormone, cortisol.

The next time that you feel down, stuck, sad, or overwhelmed lace up those tennis shoes and go take a walk! My suggestion is to incorporate your senses into the walk as well. Reflect on what you see, hear, taste, smell, and can touch. Then after the completion of the walk, reflect on how you feel after getting some movement!