One of the best times of the year… Autumn!
“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” Emily Bronte
Colourful leaves and distinctive Fall scents offer mood building moments along local walking paths. So, enjoy the crisp air during those brisk walks and take advantage for health’s sake!
Beyond the emotional well-being and brain health aspects, walking is further touted as one of the best forms of exercise.
The Many Benefits of Walking
- Cardiovascular Health – reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke
- Weight Management – burning calories means weight loss or maintaining a healthy body weight
- Mental Health (main topic of this post) – improves sleep quality, reduces stress, and can boost your mood
- Chronic Disease Prevention – helps prevent or manage conditions like type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, arthritis, to name but a few diseases linked with metabolic syndrome
- Immune Function – regular walking enhances the immune system helping to stay healthier and recover faster from illnesses
- Muscle and Bone Strength – reduces risk of osteoporosis and improves muscle endurance
Walking has a Positive Impact on Mitochondrial Function
- Regular walking promotes the production of new mitochondria in cells. Which for us means more energy.
- Walking helps your mitochondria work efficiently by producing more ATP … that much needed energy.
- Daily strolls can help slow down cellular aging.
All of the above is great! Sure! Nonetheless, healthy mitochondria should not be our focus when we lace up our walking shoes. Rather anticipate what a stroll can give us, like peace of mind, which improves overall mental health, in an otherwise stressful world (thinking politics but let’s not go there)…
Hence the reason for an enjoyable and peaceful walk!!
So, get out there. Enjoy the season. Take a few pictures and share photos from your place in the world.
And remember to breathe deep, smile… and… brace yourself for the soon coming winter (which isn’t so bad – it’s all in the attitude).
Suzanne writes children’s fiction stories to bring a little humour and stress-free moments that children need as well.
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