Taking a morning walk is one of the most cherished routines for many, as it offers a fresh and peaceful start to the day. It is quite common to feel gloomy in the winter, especially in the morning. The gloominess can make it more tempting to stay in bed rather than go outdoors. But going for a morning walk can provide a range of health benefits that can help you stay healthy.?
?People often choose to go for a walk rather than indulge in high-impact activities. This is because they are efficient, provide a range of health benefits, and also help refresh your mood.?
Morning walks during the winter are essential for maintaining your overall health and?successfully combating various seasonal challenges.?
It can be a total game-changer for your physical and emotional well-being. Warming up before going for a walk can also be helpful. ¡°In case the outdoor conditions are too harsh, such as extreme temperatures, then doing indoor activities can be helpful,¡± says Dr. Aniket Mule, consultant in internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.?
Good for mental health: When you are physically active, such as going for a morning walk, your body tends to release a hormone called endorphins. According to Dr. Mule, ¡°These hormones can help lift your mood while reducing stress and anxiety. This is much needed in winter when the days are usually short and exposure to sunlight is also reduced, leading to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).¡±
Improves flow of oxygen in the body: A morning walk during the winter can increase your heart rate and improve the flow of oxygen throughout your body.?
Enhances productivity: This helps boost your energy levels, which further combats all the laziness. It also enhances your focus and productivity all day long.?
Good for heart health: Walking outdoors in nature can help regulate your body¡¯s internal clock or circadian rhythm. This rhythm gets disrupted in the winter due to a lack of sunlight exposure.?
¡°Regularly going for a walk can be good for your heart health as it helps improve blood circulation throughout the body, which can be disrupted during the winter season due to narrowed blood vessels (it is also known as vasoconstriction),¡± says Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai.
Improves sleep quality: A well-regulated circadian rhythm can help improve your sleep quality while ensuring that you wake up energised and stay fresh for the entire day. To stay warm, you can dress up in thick layers while going outdoors.?
Regulates blood pressure: The gentle movements you make while walking help keep your body warm, especially the hands and feet, and also reduce the risk of experiencing high blood pressure.?
Reduces the risk of D deficiency: This can also help reduce the risk of vitamin D deficiency, which is quite common during the winter. It is mostly because people avoid going outdoors in extremely cold weather. Getting exposed to sunlight in the morning during the walk can provide your body with much-needed Vitamin D.?
Boosts Immunity: Vitamin D is crucial for your health as it boosts your immunity and combats seasonal depression. This is why individuals are advised to go for morning walks regularly to stay fit and healthy.?
Tips to follow: While going for a walk, make sure that you are wearing enough layers to protect you from the cold. Wear appropriate shoes. Drink enough water to keep you hydrated before heading out.