Are you one of the people who had to work from home during the pandemic? Or do you just spend too much time sitting in front of the computer, TV and car? We've rounded up five good reasons why you should leave your house more often to go for a long walk.
1. You will improve your posture
Have you ever experienced back pain, especially in the lower back, because you have been sitting in the same position for too long? The answer is probably yes, and many of us do yoga poses while sitting at the computer. Poor sitting posture can have a long-term negative impact on your posture, but the good news is that vigorous walking can prevent this problem from occurring. Walking strengthens all the important muscles responsible for good posture: the calves of your feet, your abdominal and back muscles, and the muscles in your arms and shoulders are just as active when you swing your arms back and forth. These movements not only help you to improve your flexibility, but also to maintain a stately posture.
2. You'll burn more calories
Many people underestimate the calorie-burning benefits of seemingly ordinary movements. The energy expenditure from standing, walking and other movements can be the key to losing weight more easily - or they can simply give you the opportunity to enjoy more good food. If you go for a long walk every day, over time it becomes a physical activity that doesn't feel like a workout, but has a significant impact on your body's calorie intake and overall health.
3. You take care of your bones and joints
It goes without saying that exercise helps to strengthen bones - even if that exercise is "just" regular walking. This is partly due to the fact that when people move, a number of hormonal processes are activated in the body which contribute to the absorption of calcium. Calcium is already taught in primary school as being important for bone health, so by optimising your body's absorption of this mineral, you will help your body to prevent bone loss. (After the age of 30, people gradually lose bone mass, so if you're in the 30+ age group, set yourself a goal: walk 6,000 or even all 10,000 steps every day to keep your bones healthy and dense for longer.) Plus, when you put your joints and bones to work by making them bear the weight of your body while you walk, they get stronger and more resilient.
4. You'll take more vitamin D and become more energetic
As well as burning calories and moving your body, walking will also give you plenty of fresh air and sunshine - which means you'll get a good vitamin D boost. It's no secret that the sun is our main source of vitamin D
, as we usually get much more of it than from food. We get some vitamin D from oily fish, but the sun is our main source of vitamin D, and oily fish won't really be an option for those following a vegan lifestyle.And we must not forget about mood. Without enough sunlight, many of us become lethargic, depressed and even depressed. Sunlight gives you energy and joy, so go outside and let the sun's rays caress your skin.
5. You'll be happier
When you walk, your body starts to produce endorphins, or happy hormones. At the same time, the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are released, which regulate your mood, appetite, sex drive, memory and sleep. Walking will also give you new experiences and allow you to be alone with yourself, at least for a while, which in the rush of the 21st century seems like a luxury.
If I had to make a short summary, it would be this: walking will make you healthier and happier. So put on your most comfortable shoes and enjoy the city streets and nature trails, or discover your own walking route!
