The Science-Backed Benefits of a Morning Walk

How taking a daily morning walk can boost your physical and mental health.

Walking in the morning is a superb way to start your day.

While it may not be something you can fit into your schedule every day — it's certainly something you should try to do at least a few times a week.

Why so?

Because taking a regular morning walk has several science-backed benefits for your physical and mental health.

Let's take a look at these now...

Boost Your Physical Health

Physical health benefits of morning walks include improved heart health, lowered blood pressure, stronger muscles, and reduced risk of obesity and chronic diseases.

A morning walk costs nothing but a few minutes of your time, but can lead to some significant physical health benefits for you.

Increase Your Productivity

A morning walk is a great way to wake yourself up so you're ready to start your day.

If you don't have the time to walk first thing in the morning, then take a mid-morning break from work and step outside for a 5-10 minute walk. This will enable you to stretch your legs and take a break from your screen. It will also help you clear your head.

Together, these benefits will boost your productivity and help you improve your creativity.

Enhance Your Mood and Focus

A morning walk can also improve your mood and focus.

The morning sunlight can help to activate your brain and increase alertness.

Furthermore, taking a morning walk can sharpen your concentration by forcing you to focus on your surroundings. This will help you stay alert and organized throughout the day.

Improve Your Memory

You may be surprised to learn that taking a morning walk can enhance your memory recall.

This is possible because walking can increase blood flow to the brain — which may help to increase cognitive function.

Additionally, walking releases endorphins, which are hormones that have calming effects.

This combination can help you to better remember information that you learned during the previous day or week.

Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety

We all suffer from stress and anxiety from time to time.

Fortunately, walking in a morning can help us to manage these issues.

For example, it's been shown that walking for 30 minutes in a morning can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

Boost Your Mental Health

According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is the leading cause of disability in the US. In addition, it's also one of the most costly diseases. For instance, in the US in 2018, the economic burden of major depressive disorder was estimated to be $236 billion.

The good news is that regular morning walks have been shown to be beneficial for preventing depression and other mental disorders.

In fact, a study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that people who participated in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day (walking included) had a 33% lower risk of developing depression than those who didn't engage in any physical activity.

Enhance Your Brain Function

A recent study found that people who walk for 30 minutes or more per day have better brain function than those who don't.

The study, which was conducted by the University of British Columbia, also found that people who take a daily walk are happier and and have a lower risk of dementia.

Raise Your Energy Levels

A morning walk can be a great way to start your day, not only because it gets you exercising, but also because it can boost your energy levels.

After all, getting up and moving around gives your body the chance to start the day off on the right foot by releasing some of the built-up energy that might have been stored during the night.

Plus, a morning walk can help you clear your head and get focused on the day ahead.

Promote Weight Loss

Aside from promoting overall health, walking in the morning can also help you lose weight.

This is possible because, when you walk, your body burns calories and fat. This can help you to lose weight even if you don't change any other aspects of your diet or lifestyle.

Start Reaping the Benefits of a Morning Walk

There's something special about getting up early in the morning.

The sun is just starting to rise and the air is fresh — both which give you a natural burst of energy.

So if you're looking for ways to improve your physical and mental health, waking up early and walking in the morning could be the perfect place to start.

So go ahead, make a new daily routine — and start reaping the benefits of taking a morning walk!