It's no secret that exercise is good for our body, but did you know that it's also beneficial for our brain?
In fact, research shows that walking helps improve our memory function and overall brain health.
Here we will discuss the benefits of walking, how it helps improve our memory, and tips for incorporating more walking into your day-to-day routine.
We'll also take a look at the importance of staying mentally active and engaged in life as we age and other ways to keep your memory sharp.
So grab your sneakers and let's get started!
The benefits of walking
Walking is one of the easiest and most beneficial forms of exercise.
It can help increase cardiovascular health and strengthen bones, burns calories, and helps keep stress levels at bay.
Studies have even found that walking can improve mood and depression symptoms in older adults and those struggling with depression.
While the benefits are great, perhaps the best part about walking is its simplicity – all you need to get started is a good pair of shoes!
Best of all, you don't have to be fast or walk for miles to reap the rewards – just start by taking 10 minutes out of your day for a brief stroll and gradually build up your walking time from there.
How does walking help to improve our memory function and overall brain health
Walking is an activity that can benefit our minds and bodies in ways we may not even recognize.
Specifically, it has been proven to help memory function and overall brain health.
A study found that walking helped increase cognitive functions such as creativity and problem-solving because of the movement of the body aiding the engagement of key muscles important for thinking.
Furthermore, during aerobic activities such as walking, our brains release extra serotonin which helps us stay focused and alert, resulting in improved concentration as well as improved memory recall — even up to several hours afterwards.
The next time you're stuck trying to remember something or feeling forgetful, don't sit on the couch and mindlessly go through your phone — get outside and take a walk instead!
Tips for incorporating more walking into your day-to-day routine
Incorporating more walking into your day-to-day routine can be a great way to get healthy and fit.
To start, look for simple ways to add extra steps in your activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking farther away from your destination.
You can even challenge yourself to walk around your neighborhood for an hour during lunchtime or after work.
Another option is to invest in wearable technology like a Fitbit or Apple Watch that will track your daily steps and remind you if you haven’t reached your personal goals.
With these helpful tips, even small changes can make all the difference when it comes to adopting a healthier lifestyle through leading more active, walker-friendly habits.
Walking as a way to prevent Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia
As we age, our brains naturally begin to decline, however, regular physical activity can help reduce this decline.
Research has found that physical activities like walking can protect against age-related memory decline and even reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
In addition to walking, it is also important to keep mentally active and engaged in life.
Playing puzzles, reading books, and engaging in social activities can all help keep your mind sharp as you age.
The importance of staying mentally active and engaged in life
In order to maintain a sharp memory, it is important to stay mentally engaged in life.
Engaging in activities such as reading, playing puzzles, and engaging in social activities can help keep your mind sharp as you age.
Additionally, having a sense of purpose and meaning in life can help preserve your memory and combat age-related cognitive decline.
Other activities like volunteering, joining a club or group, or taking up a new hobby can all help keep your brain active and engaged in life.
Other ways to keep your memory sharp as you age
In addition to walking and other forms of physical activity, there are other ways to keep your memory sharp.
Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help keep your brain healthy and functioning at its best.
Additionally, getting enough sleep is essential for memory recall, so make sure to stick to a regular sleep schedule.
Lastly, staying socially engaged and connected with family and friends can help keep your mind sharp and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Conclusion
Yes, walking does help to increase our memory and improve our brain health.
In fact, it’s one of the best things we can do for our mental wellbeing.
Not only does it keep us physically active, but it also helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
And if that’s not incentive enough, simply incorporating more walking into our day-to-day routine is an easy way to stay mentally sharp as we age.
So what are you waiting for? Get up and start walking!
How have you added more walking into your life lately?