I took a new resolution at the beginning of this year of waking up early and doing a morning walk. I have been a night person for most of my life. My day starts at 10 pm. It is even difficult for me to fall asleep at night because my mind does not end thinking and keeps on working.
I understand the meaning of “silence is deafening”. Once I started an early morning walk i was amazed to see the benefits of making walking up early a habit. I have received many benefits, but here are some main you will also experience if you develop the same habit in you too.
One should wear the right pair of walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Also remember to carry and drink water while you walk, to hydrate yourself. Walk for 15-20 minutes for the first three days, and then gradually increase the time.
Here are benefits of morning walk:
Improves health of heart:
Brisk walking every day lets you burn up to 200 calories and reduces body fat. It lowers your cholesterol levels and decreases the risks for cardiovascular diseases. A strong heart with an increased heart rate is able to carry more blood to the rest of your body. It can also strengthen your heart, muscles and lungs.
Helps in reducing weight:
With a habit of brisk walking 45 minutes a day, a slimmer waistline will not remain a distant dream. Proper exercise coupled with a nutritious diet can help to burn calories. You can burn up to 100 kcal of energy by walking a mile and for every two miles you walk, three times per week, you are guaranteed to lose 0.5 kg every month.
Increases brainpower:
Walking lowers the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in seniors. It stimulates the blood flow, and provides oxygen to the brain. This leads to improved functioning of the brain and better ability to recall.
Gives you healthy body:
A moderate dose of physical exercise for at least 15 minutes a day is enough to keep you healthy. Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit. Try and introduce physical activity in your life even if you have a busy life. This form of fitness can lift your mood, make you physically fit, and improve the quality of your life.
Protects from cancer and its effects:
With improved blood circulation, walking brings in positive energy within the body and therefore lessens the side effects of chemotherapy. Research shows that a speedy walk can give less time to the carcinogens present in the food to come in touch with the intestinal lining and reduce the risks of having cancer from the start itself.
Lowers the risk of hypertension and diabetes:
According to a study, regular walking improves the BMI (body mass index) and blood pressure levels in people with diabetes. Low blood pressure levels can also protect against kidney failure, heart attack and stroke. Allowing muscle movement leads to more use of glucose by the muscle cells. This also involves improvement of blood sugar levels.
Lowers the risk of miscarriages:
Walking can also prevent spontaneous abortions by lowering down the hormonal fluctuations which cause uterine contractions. Despite the several body changes during pregnancy, can reduce fatigue and related pains, help lose weight easily, and lower risks of gestational diabetes.
Energises your mind and spirit:
Walking benefits your mind too. Brisk walking helps ease stress and anxiety, improves your self-esteem, reduces depression and gives a positive start to your day. It charges up the mood and helps to keep you energetic, positive and happy throughout the day.
Gives better sexual health:
A regular habit of brisk walking can improve your performance in bed. Walking two miles a day boosts blood circulation which cuts down on the risk of impotency.
Gives you long life:
It is said that thirty minutes of daily physical activity extends your life by 1.3 years. More importantly, it can keep you fit by preventing, or delaying, the onset of age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, cheer you up and motivate you.
Some more benefits:
- Morning walk is an opportunity to refresh your mind.
- It gives you ability to stimulate your senses and work well.
- It directs your focus for the day.
- It increases ability to fall right to sleep at night.
