Many people believe that to reap the benefits of exercise you have to endure grueling gym sessions or intense workouts. However, simply increasing your daily walking can make a significant difference.
Not only is walking free and accessible, but the benefits can also be felt after just a few brisk 30-minute walks. People who walk regularly can enjoy a number of physical and mental health benefits, including a reduction stress and anxietyimproved self-esteem and improved cognitive function.
According to experts from BUPAExercise triggers the release of feel-good hormones, which have been shown to improve mood, relieve stress and anxiety, and improve memory and problem-solving skills.
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If you have trouble sleeping, going for a walk can help improve the quality of your sleep, making you feel more energetic when you wake up.
Regular physical activity can also help manage some mental health problems. Bupa suggests that a simple walk can help people cope with difficult times, increase confidence and self-esteem and reduce the risk of depressionreports wales online.
In addition to improving mental health and well-being, walking can also have numerous physical health benefits. It may help maintain a healthy weight, improve heart and cardiovascular fitness, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions, including hypertension, type 2 diabetessleep disorders such as sleep apnea and some forms of cancer.
In the UK, it is recommended that adults engage in daily physical activity. The goal should be a minimum of two and a half hours (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
This can be divided into sessions lasting 10 minutes or longer and spread throughout the week.
Walking can contribute to this moderate-intensity exercise, as long as it is fast (about 80 steps per minute). A daily walk of at least 10 minutes can improve your physical condition and the more frequently you can do it, the better.
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