Why Walking Contributes To A Long Life In Good Health
It should come as no surprise to you that walking is healthy. But did you know that a daily walk, preferably in the morning, really improves your chance of living a long life in good health? We tell you exactly how that works in this blog. Bet you get up an hour earlier tomorrow for an invigorating trip?
EXCHANGE THE GYM FOR A WALK IN THE FRESH AIR
The famous fitness trainer Harley Pasternak spent years researching what exactly makes the five healthiest cities in the world so healthy. He discovered that an important contribution to longevity was formed by walking. Good news, because walking costs you nothing and you can do it when it suits you.
Gyms are a meeting place, but are not essential for good health according to Pasternak. Even during the corona pandemic, more and more people discovered that exercise is perfectly possible without expensive sports lessons and equipment. All you need are your own legs. That insight gives a lot of freedom and independence. You can step out the door whenever and wherever you want.
WHY DOES WALKING CONTRIBUTE TO A LONGER LIFE?
You will wonder why walking exactly contributes to a longer life. The benefits of a daily walk are great and relate not only to your physical health, but also to your mental and emotional state.
Let's start with the benefits for your body. For example, a stroll around the block is good for your joints and the health of your heart. Your immune system is also nicely stimulated by the movement. What's extra nice is that you can easily adapt this activity to your own body. Therefore, always adjust your walking to your own age and physical condition.
Research by Stanford University shows that walking increases creativity by up to 60%. In addition, there are indications that regular walking contributes to reducing stress. Certainly walking in nature helps to relax and empty your head. Tell yourself: have you ever come home from a walk in a bad mood?
THE BENEFITS OF A MORNING WALK
Wake up well, sleep better, improve your metabolism, less tendency to binge. Did you know that morning is the best time for a walk and can lead to these benefits? Research shows that a solid block before 9 a.m. contributes to a longer life in good health. There are several reasons for this.
WAKE UP AND SLEEP
First of all, the morning light helps awaken your brain. Your biological clock is regulated and sets your rhythm for the day ahead. The daylight immediately improves your mood and energy level. Even cloudy or rainy days give you a mental boost that will benefit you throughout the day.
When you wake up, your light sensitivity is at its lowest. It may sound crazy, but a morning walk can promote a good night's sleep. Research shows that the first hour after you wake up is crucial for your next night's sleep.
Behind your eyes is a light-sensitive layer of neurons, which regulates the production of melatonin regulates. This hormone signals your body when it is time to go to sleep. Morning light also stimulates the production of serotonin . This fabric gives you a good feeling and helps you sleep better at night. In addition, natural light in the morning stimulates the production of cortisol in your body. This helps you wake up well and gives you new energy for the day ahead.
THE PER2 PROTEIN
Your body needs it to regulate your biological clock, improve your metabolism and strengthen your blood vessels PER2 protein . Research shows that bright, natural light increases the production of this protein, improving your cardiovascular health.
The experiments show that artificial light can never compete with natural daylight. The average light intensity indoors is much lower than in the open air. With a morning walk, your body absorbs much more light.
METABOLISM AND APPETITE
Walking around the block contributes to a healthy metabolism. In addition, scientists discovered in 2012 that the women's productivity and energy levels increased when they took a brisk walk at 8 a.m. every day. Not only did their metabolism improve, but the women also appeared to be less prone to binge eating. The latter also benefits you when preparing for or while following a course juice cure .
Movement warms your body and activates certain neurons, which help control food intake. Just think of hot summer days, when you probably have less appetite for food. Similarly, elevated body temperature appears to help resist unnecessary food.