Why walking is important

Walking is a great form of stress relief. You are able to take time away from the daily grind.  When you walk outside, you take yourself out of the daily scene of home or work.  Being away from the kitchen, the ringing telephone, the computer, the paperwork, etc., you cannot see the work that needs to be done, but now are in an environment where you can take in the sights and sounds of the community. You are also away from people that ask you to do things – supervisors, co-workers, or family members.
 
Removing yourself from the daily routine is one benefit of walking.  As long as you’re outdoors, you cannot see the workplace equipment or machinery, nor hear the voices of family members or those you work with.  You are also away from chores and responsibilities, even if for a short while.  No need to worry while you’re walking.   You can relax and take in the scenery.

Walking can relieve stress by allowing you to:
Allows the walkers to breathe in fresh air rather than stale indoor air.
Helps those who tense up their muscles under stress unknot them and relax.
Reconnect with yourself while getting your body in motion.
Puts mental and physical distance between you and the stress-causing stimuli in your every day environment.
If you walk with a partner, gives you the chance to talk freely and laugh, or vent over your stress.
Helps you burn off calories from foods ingested due to stress.

Exercise releases endorphins

Walking releases endorphins, nature’s way of making people happy.  Walking is often recommended by doctors for both exercise and as a way to cope with depression.  Mood disorders are often a symptom of stress or depression.  Endorphins can do for you naturally what prescription drugs and herbs can do artificially.

In 1999, the Annals of Behavioral Medicine published  a study that showed that college students that walked or did other easy/moderate exercise were less stressed than either vigorous exercises or couch potatoes.

Walking with a partner

Walking with a partner gives you an opportunity to share your thoughts with them.  You two are free to talk privately and at length about problems or issues.  A couple could also get some much-needed alone time, unlikely to be interrupted.  Deep conversations can lead to enhanced friendships.  When you’re happier, more stress is relieved.  So put on your favorite walking shoes, and enjoy a pleasant walk.