Latest technology has made life comfortable and relaxed. Now with the click of a button you can complete most of your tasks. The drawback of the technology invasion is that our body movement has reduced significantly.
It has become very important to exercise our body. Though morning walk sounds and looks easy, but most urban Indians prefer to go to the gym or sign for an aerobic class.
Morning walk is one of the most neglected and overlooked form of exercise. Walking is good at anytime but walking in the morning while listening to the soft chirping of the birds can calm your minds and helps you to distress. It is also a great medium to bond with nature.
Henry David Thoreau has rightly said, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”
Here are some of the benefits of walking in the morning:
Morning walk acts as a cardio exercise with heart beat pumping fast and circulating blood to every part of the body. Walking increases your blood circulation and supplies oxygenated blood to every part of your body.
- Controls blood sugar levels
Walking in the morning helps in controlling blood sugar levels especially if you are a diabetic and on insulin. According to a study published in the journal of the American Medical Association people who walk or exercise in the morning show a better control on their blood sugars throughout the day.
- Increases muscle strength and stamina
Morning walk helps in improving the muscle endurance and the overall stamina. It has been studied that regular morning walkers feel fresh and do not get tired throughout the day. Morning walk helps to build your ability to do something longer without fatigue.
- Reduces the risk of developing heart disease
Morning walk helps to supply more oxygenated blood to your heart as we breathe fresh air during the early hours. Walking also helps in burning fat and thus the cholesterol levels in the blood also reduces. Hence the risk of developing a heart disease is potentially reduced.
It is rightly said “Walk well in the morning, sleep well at night.”
According to a study conducted at the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Centre in Seattle states that exercise done in the morning helps in provoking sleep during the night and walking in the later part of the day may just have the opposite effect. According to researchers, exercise increases your metabolism and resets your body clock, so if done in the evening it may cause sleeplessness.
During the morning hours there is least pollution in the air and the content of oxygen is also high. Breathing more of fresh air makes you feel refreshed and energetic and helps you to distress. Morning walk decreases the levels of the stress hormones (cortisol) and increases relaxation hormones (beta- endorphins) that help to elevate the mood.
When we sleep our metabolism slows down. A brisk walk in the morning not only keeps you active but also helps you to burn calories by increasing the body’s metabolism. An improved metabolism rate ensures that the individual is more energized, active, and mentally alert throughout the day. According to researchers, people who regularly exercise in the morning tend to be sharper and are better decision maker.
Walking in the morning helps your skin to breathe precious ozone and pollution free air. The morning mist acts as a moisturizer to the skin. While you sweat, the skin pores open up and the toxins hidden beneath the skin moves out, making the skin brighter. Morning walks offers a better skin texture and also helps to eliminate various minor skin ailments.
- Reduces the risk of osteoporosis
Walking in the morning sun helps in absorbing valuable vitamin D that helps to cut down the risk of developing osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Morning walks is one of the simplest form of exercise and can be performed with a little determination. You cannot excuse yourself by saying that you do not have the time. You can get up early in the morning and spare at least 20 minutes for walking in the morning.
It is suggested that you make a habit of starting your day with a walk and experience the changes in your physical and mental health to believe it.
Put your best foot forward and start walking in the morning.
