Because it’s one of the simplest forms of exercise, walking often gets overlooked. It’s extraordinarily accessible — almost everyone can do it, inside or outside, with no special equipment required — but that doesn’t mean it’s not a legitimate form of exercise with great advantages. And for a variety of reasons, walking in the morning, bright and early, is an especially good idea. Scroll down to explore the benefits of a morning walk for seniors.
Benefits of a Morning Walk
It gives your whole day a mood boost.
The things you do right after waking up can profoundly impact your entire day. If you spend several hours lazing around the house and doing very little, you may lose any momentum you woke up with. And if you start your day in a frazzled frenzy — hitting the snooze button several times, rushing to breakfast, nearly missing the first activity on your schedule — that chaotic tone might define the rest of your day. Developing healthy morning habits can truly be life-changing, and walking is an excellent place to start.
You’ll get your daily exercise out of the way early.
When you make a point to squeeze in some exercise bright and early, you’re less likely to skip it. Often, when we plan to exercise later in the afternoon, we get caught up doing other things, or we talk ourselves out of it. If you commit to exercising early, you’ll get it out of the way. Then, you can go about the rest of your day feeling accomplished and not worry about when (or if) you’ll exercise later.
You’ll improve your physical fitness.
A low-impact exercise that’s gentle on the joints and muscles, walking is an ideal exercise choice for seniors. It benefits your physical health in numerous ways:
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Strengthen bones
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
- Lower blood pressure
- Manage diabetes
Plus, if you walk outside in the sunlight, you’ll get your daily dose of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
You’ll improve your mental health and cognition.
Especially if you choose to walk outdoors in the fresh air, a morning walk will benefit your mental well-being. By the time you get home, you’ll likely feel calm and relaxed. Walking can reduce stress and feelings of anxiety and depression. It can also enhance your cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Plus, walking can boost your mood and increase your mental alertness. Enjoy some endorphins with your morning coffee!
You’ll sleep better at night.
Although you just woke up, and you’re probably not thinking about sleep just yet, another wonderful benefit of walking in the morning is that it can improve your sleep. Seniors often struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep, but morning walks can help with this in several ways:
- Exposure to natural light early in the day can synchronize your body’s internal clock.
- They help regulate sleep-wake cycles.
- Physical activity can help you feel more alert early in the day, helping you avoid the temptation to nap.
- Exercise has been proven to help people fall asleep faster and enjoy more restful nights of sleep.
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The benefits of a morning walk are indisputable! But of course, walking any time of day is a great idea. If you want to further increase the benefits, ask a friend to join you. You’ll get to socialize while improving your body, your mind, and more.
Are you seeking a memory care community in Springfield, Missouri? At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to provide memory care in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to participate actively in our community. With staff expertise and a calendar of exciting activities, we strive to help our memory care residents thrive. To learn more about our amenities and services, contact Springhouse Village today by emailing us online or calling 417-708-3403.