Four Unexpected Science-Based Benefits of Walking
As we are slowly exiting three years of the pandemic, we are revisiting the concept of wellbeing; new trends are emerging that dig deeper allowing us to focus on the bigger picture. After many months of isolation, we find ourselves concentrating on what matters most, namely our health, and the simple but efficient ways to achieve holistic wellbeing. While any physical activity comes with benefits to our overall health, the simple act of walking as a workout has come to the forefront of trends, and for a very good reason.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity each week and what could be simpler than breaking it down into 30-minute outdoor walks? Walking comes with a lot of health benefits, some of them already known and some fresh out of scientific research. Here's a list of the benefits of simply going for a walk that may indeed surprise you!
Walking boosts creative thinking
Do you remember the old adage that walking helps you clear your mind? Well, it’s actually true! According to a study that compared people trying to think of new ideas while they were either walking or sitting, participants performed much better while walking, especially when walking outdoors. Their increased creativity even continued after the walk. And there’s more. In one study, the brain scans of older people who walked briskly three times a week demonstrated that the decision-making areas of the brain worked more efficiently than for those undertaking sedentary activities. Modern research has concluded that walking is a simple yet effective way to increase creativity while getting the very necessary time taking part in physical activity; a brisk walk every day can really open a fresh flow of ideas and help you come up with a solution to that work problem.
Walking helps you fight a sweet tooth
The so-called sweet tooth is every fitness enthusiast’s vice. If you are also trying to lose weight, sweet cravings can seriously jeopardize your efforts despite all your super-focused workouts. This is where walking comes in; studies from the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute walk can curb your cravings for chocolate while further research confirms that walking can reduce both cravings and actual intake of sugary snacks. According to a 2011 study, taking a 15-minute walk can cut chocolate consumption by half, especially for people that stress or comfort ate. Another great reason to add focused brisk outdoor walks to your weekly workout schedule.
Walking speeds digestion
Do you remember the advice to go for a walk after a heavy meal? Research has shown there is some truth in it. Better than relying on coffee or digestive medication, taking a short walk outdoors can substantially boost the digestive process, making you feel better naturally. One study from Germany verified that a 15-minute post-meal walk can speed the rate at which food passes through the stomach thus making the digestive process quick and effortless. Gently physical activity after eating can also have a protective effect on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and help prevent problems like heartburn or diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Walking Can Boost Your Mental Health
Most fitness enthusiasts know that frequent low-impact exercise can help to reduce symptoms of depression or mood disorders, and walking is a proven way to achieve this. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that an hour of brisk walking can noticeably improve mood and lower the risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD) by 26% . Other research undertaken by scientists from Iowa State University, proved what we already suspected: walking can bring about feelings of joy and optimism. In fact, there is nothing more mood-boosting than a walk outdoors allowing you to spiritually connect with nature and see things in a more creative, optimistic way.
Now is the perfect time to add the value of a walk into your training schedule. Take time out to reconnect with the great outdoors, boost your mental health and brain function while aiding your digestion and curbing sweet cravings – what’s not to enjoy!
