The Benefits of Walking to Work
Given the time people spend at work, it makes sense to think of ways to exercise more at work than outside of it. One of the best ways is to enjoy the benefits of walking to work.
You should avoid an inactive lifestyle and aim for an active one. As such, including walking to work in your daily routine is a great way of doing just that.
Trading in your car or public transport for comfortable walking shoes can reward you with many benefits. And though saving money on gas and transportation is great, we’d like to go beyond that.
Walking to work is an effective and affordable way to improve your health and wellbeing. In addition, it’ll make you feel rejuvenated and full of energy.
Let’s talk numbers
Those walking to work are 40 percent less likely to develop diabetes compared to those who drive to work.
Also, those who walk or bike to work are 30 percent less likely to be overweight. In addition, they’re 19 percent less likely to suffer heart attacks. Moreover, those in the habit of walking to work have a lower likelihood (17 percent) of having high blood pressure.
Walking to work is the best way to start your day energetically. What’s more, you can even walk with colleagues and strengthen your relationship with them.
Frequent walks can reduce your blood pressure and reduce the risk of suffering a stroke from 20 percent to 40 percent.
The benefits of walking to work
- Walking may help with weight loss and help eliminate stress.
- It can help to reduce blood pressure and the risk of many chronic diseases.
- It’s a low-impact activity with the same benefits as more intense exercise. For example, taking regular walks can modify the nervous system and lower levels of anger and hostility.
- Walking outside gives you exposure to natural sunlight, which can help you to avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
- Whether you feel stuck at work or have been looking for a solution to a problem, it’s a good idea to get moving. Walking to work can awaken creativity.
- A daily walk boosts your metabolism and burns calories. In addition, it prevents the loss of muscle mass, which is especially important as we get older.
- Walking can improve your joints, which are formed by muscles, veins, and valves in your calves and feet. Walking strengthens your secondary circulatory system, strengthens and preserves your leg muscles, and increases blood flow in a healthy way.
- A normal walking routine can greatly improve gastric motility.
- Once you become a regular walker, you’ll have a routine. As a result, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and adopt new healthy habits.
- Walking to work may also help to prevent cervical pain. In addition, it can help counter those long hours you spend in front of a computer.
Benefits for businesses
There are many advantages for businesses that promote exercise inside and outside of the workplace. A more active workforce can lead to many benefits for businesses and employees alike. The following are some of the possible benefits you can enjoy from walking to work:
- Increase in the level of work commitment by employees; in addition, this leads to an increase in workplace performance and productivity.
- Reduces employee turnover or intentions to leave the business.
- Lowers costs related to illnesses and absences due to medical treatment. Also, employees who walk to work are 30 percent less likely to leave their job, than those who drive to work.
Alternatives
- If you can’t walk or bike to work because of the distance involved, consider a short workout to clear your mind before arriving at work.
- Another option would be to walk to public transportation; even if it’s a short distance it could be an alternative.
- You can also go for a walk during your lunch hour. A short walk after lunch can improve your mood and increase productivity.
In conclusion, there are many ways to stay active before, during, or after your workday. The goal is to keep your mind sharp and your body healthy.