Life is stressful…. We have work obligations, family obligations, bills to pay and people to take care of. Kids have homework, activities and practices. Sometimes there is just not enough time in a day to do everything we want to accomplish. As a result we push diet and exercise to the back burner, and stress begins to take its toll.
As adults we need to take care of ourselves before we care for anyone else, and managing stress is important for lifelong health. For busy adults, one of the easiest and quickest ways to relieve stress is a daily walk.
With everything else we need to do on a daily basis, adding in a walk may seem near impossible. But it also may be exactly what you need. An outdoor walk not only provides fresh air and exercise, it helps give you clarity. You’re able to take your mind off distressing concerns and give yourself a feeling of detachment from daily pressures.
Walking is also an excellent form of low impact exercise, and helps with weight loss and fitness goals. Along with stress relief, walking strengthens muscles and increases cardiovascular endurance.
Studies have shown that the healthier you are, the better you are at managing stress when it happens.
Daily walks, as little as thirty minutes a day, can lower your stress level significantly. This is important, because the ability to manage stress is essential to good health.
Chronic stress can have a negative effect your immune system, which lowers your resistance to getting sick. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems, including:
- Heart disease
- Sleep problems
- Digestive problems
- Depression
- Obesity
- Memory impairment
- Worsening of skin conditions, such as eczema
For adults who live a sedentary lifestyle, adding in a daily walk is an easy and effective way to improve their overall health. It’s important to purchase a good pair of walking shoes, and to set aside time every day to walk. For adults that have trouble sticking with exercise programs, ask a friend to join you. You are much more likely to stay on track when a friend is waiting for you to show up.
You will also have an ear to talk out the troubles and concerns that may be contributing to stress in your life. Start with twenty to thirty minutes of brisk walking every day, and work up to sixty minutes for maximum results. After a few weeks you will have more energy and you will be better able to manage stress on a daily basis.
Families should make a habit of taking walks together, and using this time to reconnect. Small children can ride along in a stroller and older children can walk alongside their parents. The is an excellent stroller for family walks because it is designed for all types of terrain. Try walking every night after dinner, or moms can take their children after school or when homework is completed. Children experience stress too, and time to talk to parents is essential for kids of all ages.
Along with reducing stress and enjoying quality family time, family walks teach kids about staying healthy. You can use your time walking to explain how exercise keeps adults and children fit, and that it also keeps our minds healthy and strong. Discuss other ways to stay healthy with your kids while you walk, and make fitness goals together. Making good health a family affair benefits you and your children.
Stress creeps up on all of us, some days worse than others. Daily walks offer fresh air and a chance to think out problems and worries that contribute to stress. If you set aside time to walk every day, you will be better able to manage stress, and you will have more energy for your family and kids. Walking is an exercise everyone is capable of, and it will keep you healthy for years to come.
About the Author:
Mikki Hogan is a stay at home mom of eight who knows the challenges and stresses parents face with everyday life. Maintaining an active lifestyle has helped Mikki minimize stress and now she aims to assist others. Whether she’s recommending a for parents with wee ones or sharing healthy recipes Mikki aims to help others reduce stress and feel healthier.
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