Benefits of Walking

And Things I've Noticed Since I Started Walking

Why am I talking to you about the benefits of walking? If you haven’t noticed, this is a weekly personal development newsletter where I share tips for your betterment. I also share personal things and how they’ve helped me in the hopes that they allow you, too. So, let’s talk about the benefits of walking! 

Photo by Nick Page on Unsplash

First, the backstory. In December 2023, I was tired of feeling bad about my weight. And I told myself the only way to stop feeling bad about my weight was to do something about it. So, I decided that in 2024, I would take my health seriously. 

The first thing I needed to do was move my body! When trying to build a new habit, it’s best to start small and simple. So, I was going to move my body by walking. The plan was to walk at least three times a week for 10 minutes. 

Next, I needed to change my eating habits. I needed to eat cleaner and healthier foods, add more veggies and fruits to my diet, control my portions, and eliminate processed foods and sugar. 

In the first month, I lost 5 lbs, which definitely motivated me to keep going. But losing weight wasn’t the only thing I noticed after I started walking consistently! (By the way, I ended up walking every day instead of just three times a week, like I initially planned.) 

The first thing I noticed was that I had more energy! I used to take daily naps in the afternoon after work. Every day around the same time, I would get super sleepy and take two-hour naps. After I started walking, I noticed I had enough energy to last through the day, so I no longer needed naps. 

The second thing I noticed was I no longer had pain. For some reason, I was dealing with knee pain and lower back pain. After I started walking, they both diminished. My theory is that the weight loss helped with the knee pain, but then again, I don’t know if 5 lbs would make that much of a difference. The lower back pain, I have no theory for that, LOL. 

The last thing I noticed was my sleep improved. Since I wasn’t taking daily naps anymore, I was ready to sleep earlier, sleep longer, and wake up earlier. And I felt rested in the morning! This was a game changer because, for too long, I was waking up SO tired! But now, I am up and ready to get the day started! 

According to the Mayo Clinic these are some of the benefits of walking: 

• Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat

• Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes

• Improve cardiovascular fitness

• Strengthen your bones and muscles

• Improve muscle endurance

• Increase energy levels

• Improve your mood, cognition, memory, and sleep

• Improve your balance and coordination

• Strengthen immune system

• Reduce stress and tension

I hope that the differences I’ve felt and noticed since I started walking will help motivate you to start moving your body! Even if it’s just three times a week. Remember, when you’re building a habit, start small and simple. 

With Love, Heidy

P.S. If you need a copywriter for writing services or looking to launch a podcast – let’s get in touch; I want to create with you!