The primary health benefits of walking include reduced risk for high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack. It also helps to control weight, which is a factor in the development of many health problems like diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and hypertension. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reported that walking daily can help reduce the risk for the development of type 2 diabetes. Other research reported that walking reduces the risks for several cancers including colon, breast, rectal, prostate, and ovarian cancer.
One study that researchers conducted compared walking to sitting on a car seat in an office building. Employees who participated in both activities reported fewer signs of stress. Employees who walked in the building reported fewer signs of stress. The number of car keys found in garbage cans decreased when employees walked there instead of using their computer chairs. In another study, college students who walked to class and sat in a quiet room experienced less peer pressure and more interest in their studies than those who sat in a car.
When you’re doing your daily activities and you’re not thinking about the next time you’ll do them, it’s easy to forget that things could be worse. If you’re worried about having to do a presentation the next day or if you have to give a speech the next week, worrying about the outcome of those engagements or speeches is not helpful. By regularly walking and participating in other activities, you can learn to become less anxious about what’s going on in your life. Researchers believe this helps to build self-esteem and gives you the confidence to take on the world and excel at your work.
Another health benefit of walking is the decrease in high blood pressure. Two of the most common causes of hypertension are lack of physical activity and too much stress. Studies have found that walking lowers blood pressure and improves your self-esteem. In addition, researchers have found that walking is good for the heart, the lungs, the kidneys, the eyes, the glands, the digestive system, the brain and tons more.
There are many other ways that walking reduces anxiety. By engaging in a regular physical activity, you can get a head start on losing weight. Exercise helps you feel better about yourself and it also releases chemicals that make you feel happier. This will help you get out of bed in the morning feeling better about yourself and ready to face the day.
One last benefit of walking reduces anxiety is that walking gives you the energy you need to exercise during the day. When you walk instead of driving or riding the elevator, you’ll be less likely to procrastinate. You don’t want to have to drag yourself to the gym. Plus, exercise gets your heart rate up and helps you feel great. If you exercise and keep walking instead of riding mass transit or airplanes, you’re sure to get more use out of your time. So next time you need some exercise, consider walking instead of hitting the treadmill or your bike.