Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with about 17.9 million lives taken each year. However, it’s estimated that 80% of cases are preventable. One of the simplest methods for preventing cardiovascular disease is living an active lifestyle.
You don’t have to sign yourself up to spend hours a day in the gym. Instead, taking daily walks can help you experience several health benefits.
1. Improved Mental Condition
One study performed in China found that individuals who went on regular walks had better emotional health than those who did not. The duration of the walk didn’t influence this outcome. So, going is the important part, whether it is a short or long walk.
The American Psychological Association agrees with these findings. In addition, it claims that the risk of depression lowers by 25% with 2.5 hours of brisk weekly walking.
If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry. It also found that individuals who achieved half of the recommended activity, just 75 minutes per week, still lowered their risk of depression by 18%.
2. Stronger Immunity
Going for a walk increases the oxygen you bring into your lungs and body. This increase in oxygen triggers your body to bolster its immune system. These effects are not long-lasting, though.
Daily walking ensures your immune system stays strong. With a robust immune system, your body can fight germs, viruses, and bacteria better. This means getting sick less often.
3. Better Cardiovascular Health
The American Heart Association advises people to follow its “Life’s Simple 7” plan to stay heart-healthy. Daily walking helps you address several of the seven steps.
- Staying active
- Maintain healthy weight
- Keep cholesterol low
- Avoid smoking and using smokeless tobacco
- Consistently eating a heart-healthy diet
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
- Keep blood sugar low and prevent diabetes.
Walking keeps you physically active. Being physically active helps you maintain a healthy weight. In addition, the cardio of walking helps to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
4. Cut Down on Sugar
Going for at least a 15-minute walk daily can help reduce sugar cravings. This effect also lasts so you can eat less sugar in stressful situations.
If you want to change your high-sugar diet, adding daily walking will help ease you into it. A healthy diet is low in sugar. It can also lower your blood sugar and reduce your risk of diabetes.
5. Ease Joint Pain
It may sound counter-intuitive, but daily walking can help ease your joint pain. If you find that your knees hurt when bending, it is time to start walking.
Even if your joints don’t hurt, the movement helps protect them. This can help prevent arthritis from forming. In addition, the movement helps to lubricate and strengthen your foot, knee, ankle, and hip joints.
Start Enjoying Daily Walks
Adding daily walks into your routine doesn’t have to disrupt your life. It could be a short walk around your neighborhood before or after work. Perhaps you have time during your lunch break to take a stroll.
Whatever you decide, stay consistent, and you will enjoy these five health benefits.
Develop healthy habits and live a healthy lifestyle by checking out our other helpful blog posts.
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