Keep Walking!

Walking is one of the means through which humans move from one place to the other. It is also a simple way of exercising and transportation that has so many benefits. It is the oldest, basic means of movement. Before the invention of automobiles, walking was the primary means by which humans transport themselves from one place to place. There are so many health benefits of walking, yet in recent times, few people take advantage of this simple means of exercising, for so many reasons. Walking has been proven to reduce the tendency of having heart disease and strokes, helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, according to a report by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Walking can help improve your child’s academic performance; make you smarter, reduce depression, lower blood pressure, even raise one’s self-esteem,” wrote Tom Vanderbilt in a Slate article titled “The Crisis In American Walking”. There are so many reasons why people tend to be neglecting this time-honored practice of walking. The chief among these reasons is that it is just very convenient not to walk and it is human to want to take the easiest route. It is easier to hop into a car than walk. This is especially so for people who live in busy cities with heavy traffic flow. These cities cater more for automobiles than for pedestrians. “Walking has been engineered out of existence,” Vanderbilt continued. According to a Greendex survey by National Geographic in 2012, compared with 17 other countries, Americans are the least likely to walk to their destinations, the most likely to opt for using their car. The United States walks the least of any industrialized nation.

Another reason why a few people walk today is occupation. Many people live far from their work, personal vehicles or public transport is the only means to commute. Most times, these jobs involve desk work and hours of sitting time, which also means less walking.Other reasons people walk less include poor health and a host of other excuses such as: “I’m too old too busy walk,” “It’s too cold to walk,” “It’s too hot to walk,” “I’m too young to walk” and a hots of others.

Walking is what we should naturally gravitate to, not just of the health benefits associated with it, but because it is free and calming. Walking may help clear your head and help you think creatively. A study by the American Psychological Association, that included four experiments, compared people trying to think of new ideas while they were walking or sitting. Researchers found participants did better while walking, particularly while walking outdoors.

In the present world that we live, in which people sit and machines do the moving, it is important to create the time and space to go walking. And day after day, we would always be faced with those “moments of truths” where we have the choice to take the easy route or take the path of health. Here are a few things to consider that can help guide in making the right choice. During break time at work, walk to your lunch destination;if you use public transportation, get off a bus-stop before your destination and walk the rest of the journey;when you drive, don’t always choose the parking lot closest to the building. Park toward the back of the lot. This will not only save you time trying to find a space; it will also give you a good opportunity to put in a few minutes of walking; walking isn’t always about trying to get somewhere. So in your leisure time, take a walk. Walk with friends and family which always comes with a great opportunity for conversations. If you are by yourself, walking is a perfect time to meditate.

The world we presently live in is a fast-paced one: fast airplanes, speed trains, speed boats, fast cars, buses e.t.c which all move people faster and more effectively. They all serve their purpose and save time while making life easier. But we must not hesitate to slow down the pace, from time to time, and take advantage of the health-benefiting habits of walking. Its recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activities each week. A goal of 30 minutes walk each day is a profitable one. So, get out of the fast lane and sitting position and go for a walk. We can in truth walk our way into wellbeing. So, keep walking!