Walking is a Great Treat

Walking is a Great Treat

I love walking every day or almost everyday, which is my long time habit with more than one benefit for my body and mind.

I remember when someone suggested for the first time aiming for about 30 minutes of brisk walking most days of the week, I laughed, but later I tried and found it worthwhile. It sure adds up to around 2-3 hours per week.​

I feel as I am aging my regular walking helps lower the risks, the risk of a sudden stroke, and diabetes, which is not possible in my case since my sugar levels are low, but yes, it keeps high blood pressure in control, improving circulation and strengthening my heart.​

I mostly walk daily for 30‑40 minutes barring when it's raining, although weight is not an issue with me. But yes, I can say it works well for mental and emotional benefits, as it sure boosts mood and reduces stress and anxiety, and sometimes when I feel depressed due to overwork.

To be frank, I never follow any standard guidelines recommended by experts but walk as I wish, and I am lucky that I have parks in front of my houses everywhere where I live.

I can say I have no walking routine but walk at my own pace or, at times, a little faster, almost as if I am jogging, and I suggest it for most. The best walking pace is what you feel is best, a pace that raises your heart rate but still allows you to speak in short sentences.​

See, I am breathing hard but speaking while walking. Incidentally, I shift according to winters either to India or Australia, so it's always winter for me, so at this pace I feel warmer and slightly breathless, but not completely out of breath. I can talk, but if you ask me to sing, that would be difficult for me.​

Come, let's walk, it's the best way to stay fit.