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Frequently, the simple things in life can be surprisingly
beneficial. Take a walk, for example. This is a somewhat
overlooked activity that can be good for the mind and body.
The cost of using up some of your minutes in a 24-hour day
is small when compared to the much greater rewards you can
reap. The following are 11 reasons why finding time in
your schedule to take a walk a few times a week can make the
rest of your week
and life more enriching.
1) Enjoy the scenery. After being cooped
up indoors all day, seeing some branching trees that have
been around for many years and pretty, colorful flowers are
a nice change of pace. The monotony of many bland office
environments may contribute to
staleness of thought and lack of creativity.
2) Breathe fresh air. Some people claim
that indoor air can be more hazardous to your health than
the great outdoors. Apparently, the air indoors seems to
keep on recirculating with the same pollutants. Think of all
the toxic cleansers that you stored and used indoors this
past month. With inadequate ventilation, you breathe these
noxious substances repeatedly. Some have studied this and
say there is an increased risk of malignancies for the group
who stays home all day contrasted with those who explore
other environments.
3) Increased oxygenation to the brain.
The activity of just walking can be enough to increase
circulation and may even get some vitally needed oxygenation
to the brain so you can improve your thinking.
4) Better sleep. With an increase of
moderate exercise, some people report that they
fall asleep as soon as their head plunks down on the
pillow. Also, they enter into the deeper stages of sleep so
they feel refreshed upon awaking after a good night of rest.
5) Cardiovascular workout. Exercise can
help strengthen the
heart muscle so that if it encounters later an insult,
it is stronger to bounce back. Although walking is not
strenuous, for aging people it still is touted as a good
form of exercise.
6) Good for skeletal system. As one ages the risk of
osteoporosis increases especially for women. However, as men
live longer, this will apply to them as well. Activities
that put some stress on the weight bearing bones and joints
will help in counteracting the development of osteoporosis.
A person who has osteoporosis is more likely to break a bone
in an accidental fall. The recovery from such an incident
may be much more problematical with those who have
osteoporosis.
7) Self-esteem. If you have
gained a few pounds from your earlier days, you may
start feeling glum about the image you give to the world.
Vanity doesn't stop at thirty. You may not like to admit it,
but you may have loss that fit and trim look that made you
feel good about yourself. That has an impact on your
mood and how you interact with others. In addition, those
who work into their golden years want to make a good
impression when conducting business with the public.
8) Reduces centripetal obesity. The
typical apple shaped body type may also be at a higher
risk for developing some malignancies. Walking, a form of
aerobic exercise, can help in shedding those unsightly and
unhealthy pounds. Although
a sensible diet is crucial when considering management
of obesity, you will do better maintaining your desired
weight if you couple a well-balanced diet with regular
exercise.
9) Decreased risk of dementia. There is
growing evidence that those age groups who are apt to
develop dementia may benefit by exercising.
10) Socialize. Walking with someone else
gives you
an opportunity to socialize and at the same time get the
exercise you need. A lively conversation is something many
connected people value.
11) No special skills. Walking does not
require any special skills or abilities. You don't have to
have good eye-hand coordination, speed or agility. Most
people have developed their own style since they were about
one year old.
If you are not engaged now in a regular exercise program,
consider walking on a regular basis. A very small amount of
effort and time on your part can have enormous benefits.
Copyright 2006 Daniel Williams has been an online
entrepreneur since 1998. He is webmaster of
SarasotaFreeAds.com and lives in
Sarasota, Florida 34237. You are permitted to reprint this
article provided it is done so in its entirety including
this signature box and remains unchanged except for
formatting.
Also check out the
walking information on our sister site
Sport &
Me
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