Healthy Benefits of Walking Daily

For many Americans, going to a gym is not an option – many gyms are either closed or operating at limited capacity due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Unfortunately, our daily routines have been greatly altered by the pandemic and the necessary safety precautions that are in place. Good news, fresh air from mother nature and daily walks are just what the doctor ordered! Restore Vein and Wellness is here to support you during this time and want to help you stay healthy and motivated.

Walking is an excellent form of exercise for those suffering from vein disease. Set small goals with 20-30 minutes of regular walking a day. Every two weeks increase the length of time and speed that you walk. Use this time to listen to your favorite music, a podcast, or a book on audio – just move!

Benefits of Walking:

1. Daily walking burns calories – Walking just 30 minutes a day increases your metabolism and helps you to maintain a healthy weight. Walking will increase your muscle tone and help you burn that stubborn fat.

2. Walking improves your circulation – As we walk, our calf and thigh muscles contract and it is this pump mechanism that compresses the veins, thus returning the blood back to your heart. So, if you have family or personal history of vein disease, exercise is a great start to promote vein health.

3. Daily walks will boost your mood – There are many psychological benefits to exercise such as reduced stress, boost self-esteem, improve sleep, and ease feelings of anxiety and depression. These benefits are a result of a wonderful chemical released in your brain as you exercise called endorphins. Endorphins interact with receptors in the brain to improve your perception of pain and give people a feeling of “euphoria”.

4. Daily walks boost your immunity – The immediate benefit of exercise serves to improve the exchange of the immune cells to rid the body of harmful pathogens. Regular exercise demonstrates an overall anti-inflammatory influence.

5. Daily walks can improve you sleep quality – Sufficient sleep is essential for optimum health and exercise is associated with better sleep. Quality sleep is important because it is when the body undergoes many repair or restorative processes. A Harvard study reports exercise increase your Melatonin levels, your body’s natural sleep hormone.