Reprinted with permission from West Brunswick High School’s The West Wind.

Walking is scientifically proven to increase muscle strength, help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, ease joint pain and reduce your risk of some cancers and heart disease. Such a simple task has so many benefits to it. So that brings up the question, why don’t more people walk?

If you walk for just half an hour a day, you can reap the benefits that walking brings. Walking doesn’t just bring physical benefits, but also emotional benefits. Walking is said to help with anxiety, depression, mental fog, and ADHD. It can also boost creativity, leading to better motivation and productivity.

I try to go on a walk every day. On days that are colder, I tend to skip it even though I know I should walk. I have noticed all the benefits walking has brought me, such as increased energy throughout the day, sleeping easier at night, and not craving so many sweets. It is such a therapeutic experience, whether you listen to music, or listen to the sounds around you. Walking can be done anywhere as well. Through a neighborhood, around the city, or in the woods. My favorite place to walk is in the woods, completely surrounded by nature. When you start walking and let your mind wander, it almost feels like a fever dream. It’s as if my legs are on autopilot, walking the trail through the woods while my brain is free to think or not to think and I can escape the world for a couple hours or just fifteen minutes.

Another plus to walking is that it’s free! It doesn’t require much effort and is a great beginner exercise method for people who are just beginning to work out more.

So, whether it’s night or day, fifteen minutes or fifty minutes, city or rural, walking is a great form of therapy and exercise. Now that you know a little bit more about walking, it’s your turn to walk.