Online Health and Wellness Blog

My name: James
Blog name: mikewithsfi
I am a former Marine from Alabama I have experience with back injury and surgery, so ask me for advice if you have back pain or if surgery was suggested.--------------------------------------------------------- I am also fighting Hypothyroidism, it has been 10 years since i was diagnosed. If you would like advice on how I manage the psycological side, my weight and stay in shape ask me. ------------------------------------------------- This blog is a series of articles and e-zines that will assist you in your way to better health.
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Online Health and Wellness Blog


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How Walking Buffs Your Brain

You lace up your walking shoes, stretch, and set out on a brisk walk…all with the goal of being fit and healthy. What you might not know is that your walk benefits your mind just as much as your body. Recent research finds that physical activity is good for mental skills, too.

Simple forms of steady exercise, such as walking, give you the best mental boost. Walking improves your ability to make decisions, solve problems, and focus. Even small doses of walking, like a 15-minute trek, can increase your brain power.

These benefits are not just short term. The mental perks continue long after your body has cooled down from a walk.

Perk Up by Walking

When life gets you down, walking can ease some of the burdens and relieve sadness or anxiety. Here's why:

• Aerobic activity releases hormones like adrenaline in your body. These hormones are key players in your nervous system and in boosting your mood.
• Endorphins also release in your body during activity. They help relieve pain and create a sense of well-being.

Try to find time for brain breaks each day by walking. Remember, you can break your treks up into several short walks.

Expand Your Outlook

Many people use walking as a time to pray, meditate, or just think. Alone time spent walking can help you gain perspective and balance. Walking lets you:

• Reduce stress
• Clear your mind
• Tap into your creative side
• Think of new ideas
• Solve problems

If you walk with a friend or family member, you also can enrich your mind by talking about issues of interest. Intelligent banter sharpens your wit; this, in turn, increases your mental skill. It's enjoyable to plan what topics the day's walk will explore.

Walking beefs up your mind in many ways. Here are more benefits:

• Exercise helps you sleep better. Restful nights are essential for clear thought processes.
• As you continue to walk, you'll deepen your self-motivation and personal will. This can help you muster the mental drive you need each day.

The point is this: Any time you can dedicate to walking is time your brain and mind need for clarity and strength. When you feel overwhelmed, find the time to walk. You'll get quick relief from your mental load and long-term enhancement to your mental health.

Tell Tension and Worry to Take a Hike

Walking is one of the best cures for a frazzled mind. Experts agree that physical activity can reduce worry, tension, and fatigue by releasing pent-up pressure. In fact, when faced with a stressful situation, your body releases hormones that prepare you for "flight or fight." In other words, your body tries to physically release your inner burdens.

In primitive times, this instinct provided strength and speed for a fast getaway from danger. In today’s world, it’s different — but your body doesn’t know it. Since you can’t get out of the car and run screaming and yelling down the street, you take a stiff neck or headache home with you instead.

You may feel stressed because you have too much going on and not enough time. When you feel that way, it’s easy to push exercise aside. So how do you motivate yourself to break a sweat after you’ve already sweated out a hard day?

Any time you can give to being active is worth it. You don’t have to block off an hour all at once to reap the benefits. Frequent, short bursts of walking can have positive effects on your physical and mental health.

When you feel stress coming on, ward off its effects by taking a break. Walk around the block, step outside and tour your backyard, or just stand up and do some stretches. It may not seem like much, but it will add up by the end of the day. Walking fuels your energy and loosens tense muscles as a defense against future stress.

Just Forget About It

The best way to exercise for stress relief is to forget that you’re exercising. Enjoy your active time and feel the tension slip away. The simple act of walking is a proven tool that’s easy to fit into your day. Try these ideas for walking your way to a healthier, more relaxed lifestyle.

• Focus on your surroundings: Walk in a location where the scenery draws you in. Rest your eyes on the beauty of a desert landscape or grassy hillside. Listen to water sounds as you stroll by the sea, creek, or lake. Marvel at the structures of an urban setting.
• Engage your senses: Breathe calmly and deeply. Concentrate on your movement through the world around you. Pay attention to the sounds, sights, and smells that come from your environment. Give yourself up to the freedom of your walk and open your mind to inspiration. You might gain perspective about your troubles or find a solution to your problems.
• Bring a partner: Taking a walk with a friend, spouse, or child makes the time pass quickly. Also, it gives you a chance to catch up with each other. What better way to improve your health?

This might surprise you: if you find time to walk, you’ll find time for other things you enjoy. Walking increases energy and motivates you to do more. A brisk walk pumps up your metabolism, clears your head, and triggers the release of mood-enhancing hormones known as endorphins, which cause you to want more. And more walking means a healthier lifestyle — a huge stress relief to you and those who love you.

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