HEALTH BENEFITS
Walking is an easy and very light form of aerobic exercise. It is very good for one’s health, especially when done early in the morning. The peace of the morning combined with physical activity gives great benefits to both the body and the mind. This can improve one’s overall health in a very positive way.
Augments Metabolic Rate
Doing morning exercise (ambulatory exercise) increases the basal metabolic rate (BMR). A higher BMR helps the body burn more calories throughout the day, which aids in controlling weight and reducing fat (adiposity). Morning exercise also activates the body’s metabolism, improving fat breakdown (lipolysis) and the way glucose is processed in the body.
Enhances Psychological Well-being
The calmness of the morning improves our health because natural hormones, such as endorphins (which reduce stress) and serotonin (which create a feeling of happiness), are produced in greater amounts at this time. These chemicals send signals in the brain and help improve our mood. The sunlight in the morning also helps adjust our body’s natural timetable, the circadian rhythm, which enhances mental clarity and emotional strength.
Fortifies Cardiovascular Function
Walking regularly in the morning has many good effects on your heart and blood vessels. It helps to reduce the stiffness of your arteries, lowers your systolic (the pressure when your heart beats) and diastolic blood pressure (the pressure when your heart rests), and improves your fat levels by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. As a result, morning walking lowers the risk of problems like blocked arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attacks (myocardial infarction), and brain strokes (cerebrovascular accidents).
Promotes Articular and Musculoskeletal Health
Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that helps support your body’s weight. It improves the circulation of synovial fluid inside the joints, allowing bones to move smoothly. This keeps the cartilage at the ends of the bones strong and helps slow down the progression of osteoarthritis (joint pain and wear).
Additionally, walking strengthens the muscles around the joints (known as periarticular muscles), which improves joint stability. As a result, it reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (injuries related to bones and muscles).
Regulates Sleep Architecture
When we get morning sunlight and engage in physical activity early in the day, our body synchronizes with its natural daily clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This helps the body produce more melatonin, the hormone that aids in sleep. These changes lead to deeper and more restful sleep, which is crucial for our body’s energy system (metabolism) and brain function.
Facilitates Glycemic Control
Walking early in the morning (morning ambulation) makes the body’s cells more sensitive to insulin, and it helps the muscles absorb glucose – whether through insulin or even without it. These chemical changes help maintain normal blood sugar levels (euglycemia) and are especially beneficial for people dealing with type 2 diabetes (when the body cannot use insulin properly) or metabolic syndrome (a condition that includes several health risks, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, etc.).
Amplifies Energy and Cognitive Performance
During a morning walk improved blood flow to the brain (cerebral perfusion) and the increased release of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) work together to create a powerful effect, known as a synergistic effect. This makes us more alert, improves our decision-making (executive function), and helps maintain energy throughout the day. This natural freshness reduces our need for external stimulants, such as tea or coffee.
Recommendations for Optimal Morning Walks
- Wear shoes that are comfortable and ergonomic (designed to support the natural shape and movement of the human body), so even small children at home can wear them and go for a walk.
- Choose a peaceful and safe place where you can walk comfortably, such as a park.
- Maintain a walking pace that is neither too fast nor too slow—just comfortable enough to benefit from aerobic exercise.
- Drink a little water before and after your walk to stay properly hydrated.
- Include warm-up stretching in your daily routine to increase flexibility and prevent muscle strain.
- Make it a habit to walk at the same time every day so it becomes part of your daily routine.
Conclusion
Including a morning walk in your daily routine is a holistic way to improve physical strength, sharpen the mind, and enhance emotional stability. Walking in the early morning boosts your metabolism, strengthens and improves the functioning of the heart and bones, and also helps regulate blood sugar levels (glycemic control).
FAQs
What is The Benefits of Morning Walks ?
Morning walk boosts both the mind and the body’s energy. If one makes a habit of walking early in the morning, it proves to be very beneficial for a person. That’s why one should walk in the morning regularly.
Video Credit: Shree Hospitals (YouTube)
👉 “What do you enjoy most about your morning walks? Let us know in the comments below!”
Am enjoying the fresh air of the morning 🌄.