Walking is Pretty Much the Best Thing Ever

I'm so, so glad I made the new year's commitment to walk regularly at my treadmill desk. It has made such a difference in my energy level, mood, focus, and productivity, and I know I'm creating longer-term health benefits as well. I don't know why I waited this long to start daily, consistent walking, but I'm never looking back.

I'm averaging around 3 hours a day at 1.2 miles per hour, about 3.75 miles per day. I may try 1.3 or 1.4 in the next few weeks, but I'm good with this pace for now. It allows me to keep moving while easily completing my work tasks such as reading, typing, writing, and talking on the phone. And I feel great knowing that just the simple act of reasonably-paced walking has such incredible health benefits. Here are just a few things walking can do for you:

• Reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, and metabolic disorder
• Lower your blood pressure, blood sugar, and triglycerides
• Improve digestion and overall fitness
• Maintain your brain - walking slows age-related memory decline and reduces Alzheimer's risk
• Relieve insomnia and improve sleep
• Boost mood more effectively than antidepressants, according to The British Journal of Sports Medicine
• Boost creative inspiration, according to a Stanford University study (this is a fascinating study I'll write more on next time)

I'm so fortunate to have the opportunity to reap all these benefits of walking right here at work; talk about multitasking!

And just for fun, a few walking facts to share at parties:

• The United States walks the least of any industrialized nation - no real surprise there, I guess
• If you were to walk nonstop around the world, it would take you 347 days at 3 miles per hour. Don't forget your water bottle!
• You'd need to walk the entire length of a football field to burn off one M&M. Don't even think about a peanut M&M
• 66% of children walked to school in 1970. Today, only 13% do
• When you're buying walking shoes, make sure they are comfortable right away. There should be no "breaking in" of good walking shoes

Happy walking, my friends!

Visit us at TheHumanSolution.com to get your walk on.

Related Reads:

• Your Brain on Treadmill Desks
• Why UpLift is the #1 Standing Desk
• 2015: A Treadmill Desk Odyssey