The Benefits Of Power Walking On Mental Health
To stay healthy, the World Health Organization recommends that adults take at least 10,000 steps a day, which is the equivalent of 7 kilometers. At first glance this may seem simple, but in reality it may look different. In any case, we can comply with the WHO recommendation with power walking.
Power walking is a great alternative to getting started with moderate exercise. Not only does it help us stay in good shape. Power walking also allows us to get rid of our problems and worries. This is how we promote our health. It consists of walking at a constant and energetic pace, walking long strides and accompanying with strong arm movements.
Power walking can be an excellent tool for the mind. It offers psychological benefits that exceed those of normal walking. The physical benefits are the same as those we get from cardiovascular exercise. Success requires following certain guidelines regarding the intensity, posture control, rhythm changes, and duration of each exercise.
So the practice of power walking can improve our lives in a number of ways. Below we will discuss the main psychological benefits of this practice.
1. Power walking reduces stress
Power walking helps reduce stress and everyday worries as it allows us to detach ourselves from these problems and shift our focus to something else in order to subsequently maintain an appropriate level of concentration.
Therefore, it is an effective way of taking time for ourselves and reducing our fears. Serotonin and endorphins are released when we exercise, which causes a calmer state of mind. In addition, we increase our motivation when we escape the hectic daily routine of office work for a while.
On the other hand, like any other sport, power walking improves cognitive function, especially the speed with which we process information and the speed of reaction.
“The best thoughts in my life came to me while walking.”
Daniel Kahneman
2. Power walking promotes creativity
Walking helps us be more creative. In fact, when our bodies relax, worries are put aside, and ideas are allowed to flow, it is an ideal exercise for generating new ideas . We only need 10 minutes to notice this effect!
A study by experts from Stanford University and the University of Santa Clara (both California, USA) showed that we are much more creative when we walk than when we sit. In addition, other US researchers have shown that walking significantly stimulates creativity.
3. Power walking increases self-esteem
Power walking enables us to enjoy our own company while improving our self-esteem. Psychologist María Teresa Rubio says: “Self-esteem is the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve goals, and the practice of power walking can be a great way to develop these aspects of our behavior.”
In addition, walking helps manage our emotions because we can listen to ourselves and reflect on what is happening to us.
4. Power walking improves the quality of sleep
Power walking can help us enjoy our sleep. Max Hirshkowitx, a professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Baylor University (Texas, USA), says that 75% of people who exercise regularly get better sleep.
Finally, we recommend power walking for people who like to walk and want to increase their walking pace due to the myriad of psychological and physical benefits. So, what are you waiting for? Here we go!
