If you ever worked retail at a mall, you might remember catching sight of a swiftly moving pack of blue and grayed haired ladies. Dressed in flamboyant shorts-sets and extremely sensible sneakers, the cheerful squad would make determined revolutions past the food court, down the corridors towards the department stores, and back around again.
Before clocking 10, steps a day was even a thing, these ladies already knew that the secret to good health was a brisk walk. The diverse benefits make it one of the most effective forms of preventative healthcare.
The next time you need a quick hit of serotonin and you find yourself reaching for your phone or some other digital distraction, grab a pair of comfy slip-ons and head outside. Walking is like meditation in motion — it can calm your mind and relax your body.
Fresh air, the sounds of nature , and the rhythmic steps have a soothing effect, reducing the stress hormone cortisol, and dampening anxiety. Walking also releases endorphins, the feel-good chemical that promotes a sense of pleasure, delight, and love.
Walking not only makes you feel good but it makes your brain work better, too. According to a study , walking participants out-performed sedentary subjects on creative thinking assessments. Fresh perspectives and new solutions seem to flow easier when you walk, clear your head, and open your mind. When we think of what the pinnacle of health looks like, a variety of star athletes, buff celebs, and sleek yoga influencers might come to mind.
