That being true, this is a great time of year to consider creating a new walking routine to help cope with stress. The cool of mornings, as well as the warmer evenings, are perfect for walking and unwinding as the change to spring and summer makes it easier to get out and stretch.
The reason walking is such a good addition to any stress management routine is because it actually does make physical changes in the body that help counter anxiety and stress. According to the American Psychological Association people experience lower levels of stress hormones, like cortisol and epinephrine, after bouts of physical activity. They also warn that the more sedentary we get, the less efficient our bodies are at responding to stress.
In addition, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that walking is a good form of low impact, moderate intensity exercise that has a wide range of health benefits and relatively few risks. They suggest that we each try to get 10,000 steps each day for optimal health. So how do we manage to get in all of those steps?
The Mayo Clinic has a few good suggestions such as taking the stairs, parking farther away from the entrance to places you go, walking the dog, including walks in your work-day breaks, going for a hike, and adding music to your activities to get a pace going. In addition to these suggestions, finding parks and trails to walk are great ways to get both exercise and the added relaxation of a beautiful environment. At the same time, if you are a city dweller, sidewalk walking, mall walking, and walking around local attractions like a zoo, botanic garden, or shopping areas also benefit your walking routine.
What do you benefit in the end if you increase your walking? Increased heart and lung fitness, reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, improved blood pressure and cholesterol, reduced muscular and joint pain, improved balance, and of course... less stress.
You can find my previous blog entry about walking meditation here
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ~Lao Tzu
Thanks to Natasha Chub-Afanasyeva for the great image
