Get 5 Surprising Benefits from this Simple Activity

I try to get a walk in every day. 

Dr. Thomas Frieden says this simple activity is the closest thing we have to a “wonder drug". This is especially true in a natural environment. 

The sounds of nature may reduce stress and improve well-being. Drops in blood pressure have been observed after walking in a natural environment. 

— Jonas Bjork

You probably already knew all this. But, here are 5 surprising benefits that you might not know:

1. Did you know you have weight-promoting genes? The American Heart Association cites a study that looked at 32 obesity-promoting genes in 12,000 people. They were  determining how much these genes contribute to weight gain. It turns out walking briskly for 30 minutes a day cuts the effects of these genes in half.
2. Walking eases joint pain. Also, pain from arthritis. Walking may even prevent arthritis from forming in the first place.
3. Walking boosts your immune function, according to Harvard Medical. The study of 1000 people found that walking 20 minutes a day reduced sick days by 43%. (And, if you do get sick the duration is shorter!)
4. Exeter University found that walking reduces your "sweet tooth". Craving and intake of unhealthy, sugary snacks were reduced.
5. The American Cancer Society found women who walk 7 or more hours a week reduced their breast cancer risk by 14%. And, the AMC states exercise reduces risk for many types of cancer. "Going for a walk at an average-to-brisk pace can provide people with a tremendous health benefit. It’s free, easy, and can be done anywhere," says Alpa Patel, lead investigator of the ACS study.

It's not always easy to find the time, but every little bit helps. If you can, try starting with 10 minutes a day. If you take a friend (or dog) along, I guarantee 10 minutes will turn into 30!

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to improve your life is to take a walk. Even a brief walk produces benefit to your overall well-being. 

The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose. 

— Charles Dickens

Thank you for reading. You are a genius!

This article was first published in Terry Small's Brain Bulletin newsletter.

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