The Power of a Daily Walk
I pay homage to Mark Sisson who has taught me a number of things over the years but one of the most important and simple one that we all forget in the midst of training protocols, creating sleep sanctuaries and personalized nutritional protocols.
Just move.
Make it your most important daily biohack. :-) Take a daily stress-free walk. And if you are lucky enough to be a park and nature then that is even better .
Walking will boost your productivity.
It will stimulate blood flow to and throughout the brain, literally improving cognitive function. Physical movement through the environment stimulates and mimics mental movement through problems, divining solutions, exploring new mental territory. Take a walk and you’ll often think of a new way around an existing problem.
Walking helps you clear your mind and health your body.
It allows you to use all five senses to connect with the environment and clear your mind.“It allos you to take time out, slow down and connect with nature. The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku – literally, forest bath – even has the power to counter illnesses including cancer, strokes, gastric ulcers, depression, anxiety and stress. It boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and aids sleep. And it is even being prescribed by British doctors.
Walking is adaptogenic.
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed with stress, unsure of how to proceed? I’ve never gone for a walk and felt worse after it!
Walking promotes energy.
Feeling lazy, like you want to sink into the couch, unable to proceed? Go for a walk.
Walking reduces blood sugar
Just ate a big meal. Walking will blunt the damaging blood sugar elevation.
Walking aligns your body and lubricates your joints.
Feeling a bit stiff and creaky? Joints feel unsteady, unstable, too lax for lifting? Take a walk before a workout and you’ll feel more mobile and prepared to stress your body.
Walking burns fat.
It helps you get lean. Walking first thing in the morning and after a workout will help you burn more of the liberated fatty acids.
Walking helps you connect.
My regular walks with my wife and son allow us to chat without tasks, cell phone or the computer. We can share ideas, thoughts, and goals without any distractions.
For those of you who take a walk every day, what do you get out of it? What have you noticed? For those of you who don’t, what are you waiting for?
Enjoy!