Experts recommend that walking every day helps improve overall health, improve mental health, reduce anxiety, and increase your chances of living longer.
Exercise is an important factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), physical activity can reduce the risk of serious diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer, while also reducing the risk of death. up to 30% early.
Walking is a simple and effective form of exercise that brings many health benefits. The Fast 800 program, developed by Dr. Michael Mosley, claims that walking is often overlooked but has huge health benefits, from reducing anxiety to improving blood sugar levels.
This measure not only helps increase heart rate but can also prolong life. “Even though it’s low intensity, walking has many health benefits, a few short walks a day can improve your overall health, helping you live longer,” experts said.
Walking is also key to better blood sugar control. This process can help the body use insulin more effectively, thereby helping to reduce blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, especially if walking right after eating. One study found that for 24-hour blood sugar management, walking three times a day for 15 minutes each time after meals was more effective than walking once for 45 minutes.
People walk and exercise along the Han River, Da Nang, May 2024. Illustration photo: Nguyen Dong
In addition, the emotional benefits that walking brings are also very significant. Accordingly, walking is very good for mental health. Many scientific studies have confirmed that adding a brisk walk to your daily routine can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. When you get outside and immerse yourself in nature, feeling calm can bring many health benefits to you.
Walking is recognized to help reduce symptoms of social withdrawal and improve self-esteem. A 2019 study found that the risk of major depression was reduced by 26% by walking one hour a day or running for 15 minutes.
At the same time, according to experts, any movement can help lubricate your joints, increasing your range of motion. Therefore, low-intensity walking also helps reduce stress on the joints.
Besides, research shows that the best way to supplement vitamin D is exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Walking in the sun for 10-15 minutes a day, with your arms and legs exposed to the sun, will help your body avoid vitamin D deficiency. Remember to start slow, gradually increasing your pace. and then relax with regular walking to avoid muscle stiffness.