Its easy to think that 20 minutes of walking would make no difference - it doesn't take very long, you don't need to eat special nutrition or wear anything extraordinary to do it. However research has shown that even a short stroll done in a brisk fashion can really help your body in many ways.
1. Improved Mood
Taking a moderately-paced walk can instantly improve your mood. Exercise, even if it’s just a brisk stroll, helps release endorphins that trigger a positive feeling in the body.
2. Increased Energy
Its common to begin to feel sluggish after not doing a lot of activity. Researchers from University of Georgia found that people who walked just 20 minutes a day reported feeling more energetic and less fatigued. Walking increases blood flow, which in turn increases the body’s ability to create energy. (See article)
3. Lowered Risk Of Heart Disease
Walking for 20 minutes a day can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by 8%, according to research from the University of Leicester. Walking for 40 minutes can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease up to 18 to 20 percent. (See article)
4. Longer Life
Even just a brief walk can reduce your risk of premature death by a staggering one-third. Since a large number of early deaths are due to inactivity, any increased activity can have profound effects on your lifespan. (See article)
5. A Lowered Risk of Diabetes
Walking after each meal can help lower your blood sugar and reduce your risk for type-2 diabetes. This is especially the case for people who are considered pre-diabetic.
6. Stronger Memory
People who walk have a larger hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Studies show that a daily walk can help improve spatial memory as well as lower risk of dementia.
7. Weight Loss
Looking to lose some belly fat? Just 20 minutes a day can help help shrink your waistline and burn off calories. Walking helps to reduce visceral fat, the deep belly fat in your body.
8. Reduced Stress
Walking for 20 minutes in nature has been shown to reduce stress: Spending time with nature produced a significant drop in the stress hormone cortisol in a recent research project (See article)
So, what are you waiting for? Do you have 20 minutes now for a quick walk?