It may seem as if walking is something natural that can be done easily without thinking. Most of the time, it is. However, it is sometimes difficult to get those legs moving outside in our modern world. Many people work at desks, staring at computers, or standing in retail and restaurant jobs.
A great opportunity to enjoy some sunshine, get some exercise, and breathe in some fresh air, Take a Walk Outdoors Day, which occurs every January 20, gives you the motivation you need to get outside and get moving.
History of Take a Walk Outdoors Day
The study of walking dates back as far as ancient Roman times. In this case, it was associated with a need to better plan for the military. In fact, as far back as the 1500s, Leonardo Da Vinci designed the world's first mechanical pedometer to measure the distance Roman soldiers walked.
Throughout history, artists and activists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Mahatma Gandhi have all encouraged walking outdoors to exercise the body, meditate, and protest peacefully.
Take a Walk Outdoors Day encourages people to get some fresh air and stay active by encouraging them to walk.
Walking's Health Benefits
It has been proven that walking outdoors every day promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. The walk is worthwhile, even if it only takes ten minutes.
Cardiovascular health is improved by walking.
In some scientific studies, walking reduces bad cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis. The benefits of walking regularly include better blood circulation, increased flexibility of vessel walls, stabilized blood pressure, and prevention of heart diseases. In order to recover as fast as possible, doctors recommend gentle exercise by walking for people with cardiovascular disease and those just recovering from surgery.
Keeps chronic diseases at bay.
According to some scientific studies, walking reduces blood sugar, limits diabetes risk, prevents strokes by 20-40%, and reduces the risk of heart disease by 30%. In order to remain healthy and repel diseases, many health experts suggest you walk 30 minutes daily.
Blood pressure can be stabilized by walking.
By walking, blood clots are prevented and blood pressure is regulated. The health benefits of walking include maintaining a healthy body, and preventing stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or kidney failure, according to doctors.
The respiratory system benefits from walking.
Taking a 30-minute walk every morning is recommended by doctors to improve a healthy respiratory system and help the lungs eliminate harmful substances. As a result of walking, more oxygen is pumped into the body, which improves muscle development, makes the body stronger, and increases resistance.
Bones are strengthened by walking.
As a result of walking, bones and joints are moved, bone diseases such as osteoporosis are prevented, and fractures are reduced. Walking for 30 minutes a day can help reduce pain and arthritis effectively, according to some health studies.
Back pain can be relieved by walking.
Those who sit a lot, or have to sit for long periods of time, are more likely to suffer from back pain. When we walk, we stimulate blood circulation around the spine, reducing pain in the spine and adjusting the spine to its proper position. Health experts suggest walking every day to reduce back pain, optimize sitting posture, and enhance your body’s flexibility.
Breast cancer risk can be reduced by walking.
Research has shown that women can prevent breast cancer by exercising, especially walking. Among women who walked at least 7 hours a week, the American Cancer Society found that their breast cancer risk was 14% lower than women who walked less than 3 hours.
Life expectancy is increased by walking.
Research has shown that people who walk daily generally live longer than those who do not walk, exercise, or rarely walk. In addition to increasing blood flow to the brain, walking increases memory and alertness, improving the health and flexibility of the body. As a result, regular walking will help you prolong your life in an effective manner.
Improves digestion.
Walking, particularly in the morning, helps the stomach work more efficiently and regularly, increases metabolism, and fights gastrointestinal diseases. To help the digestive system work better again after gastric bypass surgery, doctors ask patients to walk after surgery.
Better sleep is a result of walking.
Sleeping better and deeper is possible when you walk, according to health experts. It will increase your blood circulation, make you feel more comfortable, and make it easier for you to fall asleep. Sleeping experts recommend walking before heading to bed at night for people who have difficulty falling asleep and insomnia.
Stress can be reduced by walking.
The act of walking has the effect of relaxing your mind, making you comfortable, and reducing your pressure and stress significantly. Taking a walk, especially early in the morning, increases the production of the serotonin hormone, allows you to feel happy, and relieves stress and fatigue.
Concentration increases when walking.
It may surprise you to learn that walking improves concentration very effectively. Experts believe that walking causes the body to feel relaxed, while the mind is also comfortable and creates the right conditions for the brain to relax. In addition, when walking, more oxygen is provided to the body and more blood is supplied to the brain, enhancing memory, and increasing concentration.
Boosts creativity.
Researchers say that walking promotes happiness, optimism, and creativity by helping the body produce happy hormones. It is particularly crucial for people who work in careers that require creativity and flight to walk regularly to keep fresh and creative.
The amount of vitamin D in the body increases when you walk.
Calcium and phosphorus are absorbed by the bones through vitamin D, strengthening their structure. Taking long walks in the sun increases the body's vitamin D levels. In short, by exposing the skin to sunlight, the body produces vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
In addition, vitamin D is thought to have a positive effect on mood regulation, protecting against depression, and promoting general well-being.
How to Celebrate Take a Walk Outdoors Day
With these fun ideas, you can enjoy Take a Walk Outdoors Day and appreciate the health benefits it offers:
Get outside and take a walk.
Getting off the couch, wearing your sneakers, and venturing out for a walk is the first thing to do on Take a Walk Outdoors Day. You can create a new habit of walking for health and wellness by taking a walk in the morning before work or during lunchtime. Whether it's a short walk outside to stretch a bit, or an hour-long run to burn off those calories, it doesn't matter. The most important thing is to get outside, at least for a few minutes, and go for a stroll.
You may find that taking a walk with a friend, partner, or spouse increases the likelihood of this habit sticking. Walking outside with an exercise partner is much more fun since they not only provide company but also keep you accountable.
Make a walking playlist.
To celebrate Take a Walk Outdoors Day, make a list of music you'd like to listen to while you're out walking. Here are a few titles centered around walking that might inspire you:
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
Day Dreaming by Aretha Franklin
Walking by Myself by Jimmie Rogers
august by Taylor Swift
Walk of Life by Dire Straits
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
Walk by Foo Fighters
Settle Me Down by Zac Brown
These Boots Were Made for Walking by Nancy Sinatra
Gloria by Laura Branigan
Walk This Way by Run D.M.C. featuring Aerosmith
The Wanderer by Dion DiMucci
Walkin by Wilco
Provide assistance to people who are unable to walk.
Take someone who cannot get out for the day. Perhaps it is your neighbor who requires a wheelchair or your baby cousin who enjoys strolling in his or her pram. It will surely brighten their day... as well as yours.
Plan a community event.
Consider organizing an event in honor of Take a Walk Outdoors Day that will benefit the community around you as well as you. Get your friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors together and take a walk outside. Everyone can enjoy and benefit from the activity. In addition to raising funds and donations for charity, these types of community walking events also benefit many individuals and organizations.
Buy new walking shoes.
When it comes to taking care of those feet, those celebrating Take a Walk Outdoors Day might want to consider wearing proper footwear. Additionally, wearing appropriate walking shoes helps you maintain proper technique and prevent injury.
Here are some reasons why you might need to replace your old walking shoes:
There is wear and tear on your current walking shoes. Examine the walking shoes' soles and treads. You may need to get new walking shoes if the tread on the toes and heels has worn down.
It feels like your walking shoes are too loose. You should be able to walk comfortably and snugly in your walking shoes. It's time to shop if they have quite a bit of give after being tied securely.
There is pain in your hips and knees. Midsoles in walking shoes can stop compressing with age, which means shock absorption and support are no longer provided.
You want to be motivated to walk more. Investing in a new pair of walking shoes can do wonders for motivation to walk outdoors more often.
Be sure to spread the word.
Take A Walk Outdoors Day might not be well known to many people, even though walking is beneficial to our health. Spend five minutes sharing the significance of this holiday with your family and friends. Get #TakeAWalkOutdoorsDay trending.
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