Walking To Boost Your Mood

Many people start walking because they are looking to improve their physical and mental health – and with good reason. Walking has so many more benefits than people realize for them mentally. Let’s take a look at how to make the most of walking. 

Post-Op

When you are initially post-op, laying in bed, possibly still hooked up to IVs and a catheter the chances are you are dreaming of walking through the local park. There is no finer time to actually implement this into your routine than after an operation. Your doctor will be able to tell you when it is possible for you to start walking, and how long for. It is really good to help your body start getting back into good working order. If you are in a wheelchair for some time, then ask a friend or relative to help you get around the local park. 

Energy

Oddly enough, the more energy you use, the more you get back. When people start going to the gym or taking a walk or a run, their first few days seems really difficult. In fact, many people wonder if they will ever get the energy to do it without being tired after. Then within just a few days, they notice an upward turn in the energy that they have. Aerobic exercise, in this case, walking increases your physical stamina. 

Which is great if you get a low mood, you find you have low energy too. It might not feel like something you want to do at that moment, but heading out and getting a walk will be worth it. 

Moving more gets your blood pumping around your body, which gives you an increase in oxygen levels. So the next time you feel yourself start to slump, even a walk around the house will help. 

Stress

Stress is a nasty thing, and most people suffer from some form of stress – be it light or severe. Walking, well actually any exercise will help reduce your stress levels. Moving around boosts your endorphins, and over time they build up. Of course, if you have a stressful job, then you are probably going to need more than just one walk a week to see an improvement. In fact, every day is probably closer to the ideal situation. 

When you are walking your mind is detached from the issues that you might be suffering through. You are focusing on the walk, the route, your body, and your surroundings, and that helps to block out some of the stressors. 

Sleep

When you get less sleep, you get more grouchy. Tempters become shorter when you aren’t sleeping for as long as you probably need to. Walking will help flood your body with that useful melatonin that helps regulate your sleeping. Walking first thing in the morning is recommended for people who have trouble sleeping when you walk as the sun is rising, you help set your circadian rhythm, which helps your sleep cycle.