5 Extraordinary Benefits of Going for a Walk

Posted byLisa at Micro of the MacroPosted inHealth & Well-Being, Psychological HealthTags:, , , , , , ,
Walking along Coastal Maine under overcast skies

For years, I’ve read about the many advantages of walking, and I’m sure you have, too.  Among its plethora of benefits, it improves endurance, helps with hydration, burns calories, increases longevity, and reduces the risk of many chronic illnesses.  It’s a great activity to continue into advanced age, or to incorporate into any work-out routine.  And recently, I discovered it has some unusual perks that I want to share with you.

Strolling among waterfalls in Upstate New York

  1. It helps our skin look younger.  A study from Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark found that exercise, including regular walking, stimulates collagen and elastin production and improves skin’s thickness.  These benefits work together to make skin more wrinkle-resistant.
  2. It helps curb our desire for sweets.  From this Harvard Health write-up: research confirms that walking can reduce cravings and intake of a variety of sugary snacks.  A great reason to stroll after dinner!
  3. It gets us out of worrisome thinking patterns.  In his book In Praise of Walking: A New Scientific Exploration, renowned Dublin neuroscientist Shane O’Mara writes (walking) sets our thoughts free.  Further, he says it is a holistic activity. Every aspect of it aids every aspect of one’s being, including our disposition.
  4. It stokes the fires of creativity.  Stanford University research shows that creativity improves while a person is walking and shortly thereafter.  Maybe that’s the reason some of us pace when we’re trying to work out a problem.
  5. It can become your daily meditation.  For the first few minutes, take it slow and be mindful of every step, each pebble underfoot, and the presence of the sun’s warmth on your face.  For more info on walking meditations, check out this link from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center.
Meditative walk on a beach in South Carolina

Of course, ambling alongside a creek, in a forest, canyon, or amongst wildflowers multiplies these benefits and adds many others.  But you knew that already!

Now you have even more reasons to take that daily walk.  The advantages above assist us in reaching greater potential.  So what are you waiting for?!

View of the Atlantic Ocean & the South Florida coast at the end of a long pier walk

Blessings for Happy Strolls,

Lisa

On Thursday, September 15th, Marsha from Always Write and I are co-hosting a blogger meet-up at a restaurant in Mayer, Arizona, near Prescott Valley.  If you can meet us for lunch (& lots of fun!) please RSVP to one of us.  Hope to see you there!

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

77 thoughts on “5 Extraordinary Benefits of Going for a Walk”

  5. You know me, I love walking too! It is for me a daily meditation, it needs only to be a 20-30 minute walk. Longer walks in the hills or along the coast add breadth and depth to the benefits you mention! Even with my lower back difficulties I’m planning (hoping) to walk longer distances next spring. There are a couple of longer trails here that I have always want to do! 🤞 Have a wonderful weekend. 🌹🙋‍♂️

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    1. Hi, Ashley, I’m happy to hear you’re still planning to tackle some longer trails next year even with your lower back problems. Good on you! Thanks for dropping by & sharing some time with me! Wishing you a grand weekend, as well! 🌞

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  7. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing this information with us. I feel better about walking now. I have always known walking was good for the heart and other things, but finding out through your post there is so much more, and so many other great things walking does for us. Have a blessed day.

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  10. Those are great reasons for a walk. It is even better if you can walk barefoot. I love taking my shoes off and walking on the beach. Unfortunately, I have been so busy that I rarely get a chance to do that these days.

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  13. Wholeheartedly agree – although I partake in the faster side of walking it was my secret weapon to success when I was still on the daily grind – there wasn’t a problem I couldn’t figure out on a long walk/run – get the problem solved before going back to the car and then enjoy a stress free rest of the day. Unfortunately, some of the problems took a large number of miles to solve ha!

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      1. Yep, the nightmare lab is in full production sunup to well after sundown. Final prop builds this week and then start the prep before staging everything out in the woods. If that isn’t enough, also in the final heavy training for the ultra the week after the party. Gonna be some tiring weeks ahead -but done with a big smile the entire time.

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  17. Thank you for all of this wonderful information and great photos! I wish I lived closer and could attend your blogger meeting. I do so enjoy your blog!!! 🙂 It is a happy place to visit, full of inspiring ideas. Thank you!

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  23. Hi Lisa, I just got back from my walk with my best walking buddy, Puppy Girl. Altogether so far I have logged 7,655 steps today. It’s perfect walking weather here in Prescott. The sky is quite dark in one corner, but we braved it and got home safe and dry. Your walks look beautiful. Can’t wait to meet you. One more week!

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  26. Great and informative post Lisa, thank you for sharing, I’m encouraged to keep doing my daily walk 💕🌸 I always feel uplifted after my walk, it helps me clear my mind and indeed take away any worries too.

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  34. I wholeheartedly agree with your “unusual perks” of walking! We have neglected walking the last couple of months since our move, but done a hike on a farm recently and then just realised again how much this means to our body and soul!

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