Why should we actually walk more often? What are the benefits of regular walks? On average, we Germans only move 700 meters a day!₁ Isn't that frightening? Escalators, cars, elevators and public transport do most of the work for us. All we really have to do is roll out of bed before the daily grind begins. This makes it pretty straightforward to find out the benefits for ourselves of walking more often.
In this article, I would like to give you my top 10 reasons to go for more walks. Let's go!
Walking - 10 benefits for health, productivity and nature
We need to consciously integrate walking and spending time outside in nature more into our everyday lives again. Step by step. As promised, I'm going to tell you exactly why!
1. protect environment
Walking is the most sustainable way of getting around. No emissions, no consumption of resources. But decelerated and nature-conscious. Whenever you have the opportunity to replace a car journey with a walk, you should do it. Because in all other areas of everyday life, our way of life is already a heavy enough burden on the environment.
Whether it's our food, clothing or household - every day we blow greenhouse gases into the atmosphere through our behavior and are part of the problem - instead of part of the solution in the fight against climate change. global warming to become. You can find out more about this in the article about the Environmental sins in everyday life.
Tip: In the article about the sustainable life you will find out exactly how you can do even more good for the environment every day!
2. prevent diseases
It's no secret that regular exercise improves our Strengthens the immune system. If you walk more instead of traveling by car, you can prevent illnesses such as Depression or Diabetes before. Regular walks also ensure that your heart and circulation are strengthened - and that in the evening you sleep better can. Walking through the forest - yes, that is like mediation in motion.
Tip: If you need a little more inspiration on the value of your own health, be sure to check out my Health Quote Collection on!
3. get out & discover new things
We don't have to get things done every minute of the day. And if you have the urge: take your daily walk. Because it's crucial for your long-term health. I like walking because it makes it easier for me to discover new things that might otherwise have remained hidden. In my opinion, if you only walk a few meters to the subway every day, you're missing out.
Why you from a psychological point of view Spend more time outdoors in nature you can find out in the linked article.
Tip: If you don't walk that often, make a conscious effort to go for a walk every day for a week! You will feel how your personal well-being improves!
4. fill up with sunlight
Your body is able to vital vitamin D to produce. But that doesn't work if you only sit in a dark office. Whenever the sun is shining, you should therefore walk more and soak up its rays. This in turn prevents illness - and promotes bone formation. So walking in the sun is a good reason to take a walk more often.
5. encourage creativity
Do you know those moments when you just feel really uncreative and unproductive because you simply can't concentrate? Don't worry, everyone has them. But when you have them, it's time for a bit of exercise. Every walk, with all the new stimuli for our senses, stimulates our creativity and boosts our mental performance. Even if it only takes 15 minutes. For example, walking more improves your memory and makes it easier for you to make informed decisions.
Tip: If you would like to be even more efficient in your job, then take a look at my article with tips for more productive work!
6. even a short walk has a big effect
No one needs to walk two hours every day to stay healthy and focused! Even a 15-minute walk, for example during your lunch break, has an incredibly big impact on your ability to concentrate and your health in general. So instead of smoking, you can simply go for a walk around the block in future, for example. This also reduces stress and can be implemented immediately.
Tip: If you're still a smoker, be sure to check out my post on the Stop smoking look in!
7. relaxation & deceleration
Our fast-paced everyday life is full of stimuli. Whether in our environment or on our smartphone or laptop. This can quickly lead to Sensory overload and excessive stress. Going for a walk in the fresh air provides balance, relaxation and deceleration in this regard. After all, nothing is more relaxing than listening to birdsong and the silence of nature! Walking should therefore be a consciously regular part of your everyday life.
Tip: If you also want to enjoy a natural paradise at home, then be sure to take a look at the article about the Creating a bird friendly garden in!
8. get fitter or stay fit
Do you know people who want to get fitter but don't feel like jogging regularly? After all, running isn't the only way to get something off! Going for a walk or regular walks are sensible alternatives to get or stay physically fit. So before you reach for a bag of potato chips to relax on the sofa in the evening, you should go for a healthy evening walk.
Tip: If you want to achieve an even greater effect, you can deliberately choose routes that are a little more uphill!
9. live longer
People who walk more often look younger for longer and feel fresher! An experienced professor at St. George's University Hospitals in London recently said that regular walks can keep you looking and feeling younger. gains about three to seven years of life.₂ If that's not an important reason to start walking more again, isn't it? Especially because it's so easy to integrate into everyday life.
10. be happy
It's also no secret that regular walks make you happier. Logical, after all it is healthy and relaxes the mind. Walking reduces stress - negative thoughts don't stand a chance. As with any other form of physical activity, walking releases endorphins that make us happier!
Tip: Fittingly, you may also like to take a look at the post called "When does a job make me happy?" throw!
You should walk more often - the benefits are obvious
While I was writing this text, I sometimes had to rub my eyes at what a logical and normally self-evident thing I was writing about. However, the fact that it is still necessary to talk about it due to the development of our society should give us all food for thought.
We need to understand that every step is a step towards a healthier future.
Do you have any questions or your own experience with the health or ecological effects of regular walks that you would like to share? Then please write me a comment!
Stay healthy and sustainable,
PS.: Feel free to look around a bit more in the Blog for natural health around. Find out, for example, why cold shower is so good for your health!
References:
₁ C. Schüren: This is how (un)sporty Germans are (as of 11.06.2014), available at https://www.welt.de/sonderthemen/deutschland-bewegt-sich/article128922556/So-un-sportlich-sind-die-Deutschen.html. [04.06.2020].
₂ P. Peachey: A daily walk can add seven years to your life (as of 30.08.2020), available at https://t1p.de/ldhm. [04.06.2020].
