by Michelle Wilkinson

Created on: April 20, 2009   Last Updated: March 10, 2012

How healthy a person is depends on more than just their physical well-being, since their mental state also determines their overall constitution. In order to remain healthy you need to follow the right diet, get enough exercise and sleep, and find ways of coping with stress. Walking is an excellent way of increasing or maintaining your physical fitness, and can also provide you with an effective method of dealing with the stresses and strains you encounter during the day. Walking can therefore prove extremely beneficial to your sanity.

Walking is good for your physical health, as it is a cardiovascular exercise and thus can help lower your blood pressure and ward off potential heart disease and stroke. Walking also helps to strengthen your bones and build muscle. Any exercise which increases your heart rate sufficiently will speed up metabolism, and it therefore may be easier for you to maintain a healthy weight. If you are at a healthy weight and have a healthy body you are much more likely to feel good about yourself, which walking facilitates. Walking can also make you feel good about yourself because it stimulates the brain to release endorphins which naturally make you feel more positive.

You don't have to pay anything to walk, and because you can walk anywhere it is possible to incorporate it into all areas of your life. You don't necessarily have to set aside a particular time to walk you could simply choose to walk to work instead of driving there, for instance. However, you might prefer to set aside some time for yourself so that you can go for a stroll whilst listening to your favourite music or radio station, or just to think about your day and to sort through any issues you might have.

On the other hand, walking is a good way to socialise with friends, as well as to meet new people. You might decide to get fit alongside some of your companions or to start walking with your partner more regularly. Walking provides you with an excuse to make time for each other and to listen to one another as you share your concerns, or even trivial gossip.

Perhaps you prefer the idea of walking alone, but not quite alone. If it is dark it can be quite reassuring to have your dog with you. Walking your dog also presents you with the perfect opportunity to meet other dog walkers and to make new friends and acquaintances. Socialising is essential for the maintenance of a healthy mind, and so once again walking is an exceptionally effective way of helping you to cope with life and to remain sane. Anybody thinking of trying to improve their health would therefore be wise to consider incorporating walking into their daily routine.

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