For the past 15 months, your life has altered dramatically. You probably found yourself at home more, trying to stay connected over video calls, and frankly, you may have found yourself visiting the refrigerator a bit more often than necessary. But the time has come to slowly ease away from that lifestyle, back into some semblance of “normal,” defining your priorities and getting back into healthy habits.
And though that may seem a little intimidating, you may just find that a regular walking practice is the best way to start walking your way out of the pandemic. And here’s why.
Walking Makes You Happier! Did the pandemic leave you feeling a bit more stressed than usual? Yeah, us too, but the good news is that walking reduces levels of the stress-hormone cortisol and increases the trifecta of happy hormones: endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. In fact, studies have found that exercise has similar effects as antidepressants for some people with moderate depression. A walk is a powerful, all-natural mood booster, leaving you feeling, well, just downright happier!
Walking Creates Connection and Cures Loneliness. Being restricted to your home and social distancing didn’t help your relationships. You probably felt isolated and lonely, craving being near someone and really connecting. Now that the world is opening up, it’s time to schedule some shoulder-to-shoulder time with a friend or loved one. Not only is it meditative, but the increased oxygen and blood flow helps you communicate more clearly and listen more carefully. According to this Tedx Talk by 99 Walks Co-Founder Joyce Shulman, women who regularly walk with their friends are 2.5 times less likely to be lonely. And, since you may be taking it slowly to make your way out into the world, walking outdoors is a little less risky that meeting up for coffee.
Walking Helps You Ditch Technology in Favor of Nature. Has your phone, computer or television gotten a bit more play time during the pandemic? Well, it’s time to shut it off, close it up, and disconnect from the constant input and distractions and head outside into nature. You just might find that your focus and attention becomes sharper when you surround yourself with the smell of fresh air, the sounds of birds chirping, and the sight of trees leafing out and blooming in the sunshine. Within no time, you’ll find your mind and body restored much more than any number of “likes” on a social media post can offer.
Walking Boosts Your Immune System. Throughout the pandemic, you’ve probably paid a bit more attention to the possibility of germs sneaking their way in and wreaking havoc, fearful of how your body might react. Well, it might sound too good to be true, but research shows walking can actually help boost your immune system and improve your ability to fend off viruses and bacteria. A recent Kaiser Permanente study shows that being active 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week reduces one’s risk of hospitalization and death from Covid.
Walking Helps You Unpack the Pandemic Pounds. That’s right. You may be like much of the population that has packed on some extra weight with too many visits to the fridge, and a decrease in activity. If you’re battling the quarantine fifteen—er, maybe thirty—you’re not alone. Thankfully, walking is a great way to burn calories, but it can also help offset genetic tendencies towards obesity. Numerous studies show that consistent walking at a brisk pace, even getting in multiple short walks during the day, can help you shed those unwanted pounds that might have snuck up on you these past several months. Better yet, pair your walking with good nutrition for added results. It just might be time to hide that sourdough starter behind the frozen veggies in the freezer.
Walking Helps You Ease Back Into Other Exercises. You may be thinking that you should jump right back into rigorous HIIT workouts, but unless you maintained your same level of workouts during the pandemic, you might start with walking first. Walking is a great way to recondition your body for more strenuous workouts, lubricating your joints and reminding your body that it was meant to move. Walking even proves to be a great active recovery workout for the days after you push yourself harder.
It’s time. Time to say farewell to the fridge, see ya later to social media, and toodaloo to the television. It’s now time to greet your girlfriends, motivate your mind, and walk your way straight out of the pandemic.
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