What Are The Benefits Of Starting Your Day With A Walk? (4 min 10 sec)
What’s all the hype about morning walks?!
A morning walk outside is a POWERFUL way to set your circadian rhythm, thanks to the sunlight exposure it provides. Natural light in the morning helps regulate your body's internal clock, signaling that it's time to be awake and alert, which promotes better sleep patterns at night. Additionally, the simple act of moving forward during a walk stimulates dopamine production in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, so this boost can enhance your mood and energy levels, helping you feel more ready to take on the day.
It can be very challenging to get outside for a walk first thing in the morning. It’s understandable that most mornings are like preparing for battle. Everyone is running around getting ready, just so they can get out the door in time to be 15 minutes late to work or school. This is just how life can be sometimes. So don’t feel like you’re a failure if you can’t go for a walk first thing in the morning because you have other obligations to attend to first.
If a morning walk first thing in the morning isn’t something you feel like you can do, going for a walk anytime in the morning is still beneficial for setting your circadian rhythm. So, you can definitely arrive at work or school, get settled, and then go outside for 5-10 minutes and enjoy the natural sunlight exposure.
5 Reasons Why Walking in the Morning is SUPER Beneficial
1. Boosts Mood and Energy Levels
Exposure to natural light in the morning stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps elevate your mood and energy levels. This sets a positive tone for the rest of your day, making you more alert and focused on your tasks.
2. Enhances Mental Clarity and Creativity
Walking increases blood flow to the brain, which enhances cognitive function and creativity. Morning walks provide a quiet time to clear your mind and think through your plans for the day, leading to improved problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
3. Establishes a Healthy Routine
Incorporating a morning walk into your daily routine helps reinforce healthy habits. Consistency in physical activity is crucial for maintaining overall well-being, and starting your day with exercise sets a precedent for making healthier choices throughout the day.
4. Regulates Your Circadian Rhythm
Exposure to natural light early in the day helps synchronize your circadian rhythm. This internal clock relies on light cues to determine when you should be awake and when you should sleep. Morning sunlight tells your body it’s time to be alert, which in turn helps you fall asleep more easily at night, leading to better quality rest.
5. Reduces Stress
Walking in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. The calming effects of greenery and fresh air can lower cortisol levels, helping you feel more relaxed and ready to tackle your daily challenges with a clear mind.
It’s not about being perfect with health and wellness protocols. It’s about being able to adapt to environments and implementing health and wellness protocols to the best of your ability, so you can thrive in life.
Get After It!
-Austin
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