The Benefits of Walking and How to Take More Steps Every Day

Walking makes you happy

Walking literally makes you happier. That’s because when you move, your brain releases all kinds of chemicals. We also call these “happiness hormones.” Endorphins and dopamine are the best known; they create a pleasant feeling and reduce stress and pain. These chemicals are produced during exercise and continue to be released for hours afterward. So it’s double the fun! So your blissful feeling lasts for a while after your walk or workout. For an ideal amount of happiness hormones, you should move at a leisurely pace for about half an hour. Let’s go for a walk!

The Importance of Light

Light has a major impact on our health. The more light you get in the early hours of the day, the better and more productive the rest of your day will be. Did you know, by the way, that going for a walk before 11 a.m. offers the greatest health benefits? So it’s best to get your dose of sunlight in the morning. Even a walk of just a few minutes can make a world of difference.

Walking makes you more creative

We perform better when we move. For example, walking keeps your brain healthy and youthful, can improve learning performance, and gives your creativity a boost. By the way, did you know that Einstein often went for walks? Next time you’re worrying about something, try going for a walk—not only will you clear your head as you walk, but you might just find the solution or stop worrying altogether.  

A good night's sleep

Exercise is good for your sleep. Research shows that people who exercise often fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. Physical activity during the day helps your body transition into rest mode more easily at night. But be careful: avoid intense exercise right before bedtime. Because your heart rate and body temperature will be higher, you’ll actually have a harder time falling asleep.

Want to go hiking more often? Tips & tricks!

We often know all too well that exercise is good for us. But after the hustle and bustle of the day, there’s often little left of those good intentions. That’s why we’re giving you some handy tips to help you incorporate enough steps into your daily life. You probably jot down important appointments in a planner, right? So what are you waiting for to make room for a walk in your calendar? Choose a set time for walking, such as before breakfast or during your lunch break. If possible, head to a meeting on foot and take your calls standing up as much as possible.  

There are plenty of opportunities to take extra steps throughout the day. Our tip: start with small changes that you can stick with for the long term. Try parking a little further away at work or the supermarket. This will quickly add up to dozens, if not hundreds, of extra steps per day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, and look for short opportunities to move throughout the day, such as climbing stairs. These are small things, but they really do make a world of difference.  

‍