A daily walk is one of the best ways to improve your physical and mental health. From a quick power walk around the block to a leisurely hour-long stroll, walking is a great way to get healthy and add years to your life.

Below is a roundup of five ways walking can improve your physical, emotional, and mental health.

1. Immunity Boost

Studies show that walking helps ward off many infectious diseases. Those who walk regularly get sick less than those who lead more sedentary lives. When illness strikes, people who take walks frequently feel better quicker, suffer milder symptoms, and spend less time in the hospital.

2. Weight Loss

Walking regularly can reduce fat and lead to weight loss when combined with a sensible diet. As you walk outside more often, you can choose paths with hills or fluctuate your speed to further jumpstart your metabolism.

3. Reduce Cravings

Even a short daily walk can curb your cravings for chocolate and other sugary snacks. Research finds that after a 15-minute walk, people don’t feel the usual urge to eat between meals. Walking may also lessen the psychological and physiological responses to stress. This helps break the habit of stress-eating, which can help reduce overeating and obesity. 

4. Feel Better Emotionally

Walking increases your blood flow and overall circulation. This boosts your mood and helps your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis respond to stress. Exercising—and walking in particular—calms the nerves and reduces anxiety. 

You can ensure you stay motivated to walk by reading health and wellness blogs, joining a gym, or making your walks a social event. Join a walking group and walk with friends in the morning or after dinner. Group walking can stabilize moods, combat depression, and help increase self-esteem. 

5. Sleep Longer

Moderate physical activity, like what you do when you’re walking, can increase your body’s production of melatonin—the hormone that helps you fall asleep. 

Not only will a regular walking routine help you sleep longer, but because walking can help decrease joint pain, it can also help you sleep more soundly. 

How to Boost the Health Benefits of Walking

You can increase the health benefits of walking by compiling the proper gear before you start. Good shoes and a few healthy habits can go a long way to reducing the risk of injury. 

Some gear to consider are:

Walking Shoes

Visit a running store and walk on their treadmill. This helps salespeople assess your gait and recommend a shoe that will match your feet, posture, and specific walking style. 

Socks

While you’re at the store, ask about socks. You want a good pair that will keep your feet warm, dry, and blister-free. 

A Hat

A good hat will let your head breathe while protecting you from the sun. It will also keep the sweat from dripping into your eyes. 

Water Bottles

Remaining hydrated while walking is important—even in the fall or winter. Look for lightweight bottles that aren’t cumbersome to carry. You can even find belts that hold a few smaller water bottles, so your hands stay free. 

Truvy Supplements* 

Taking supplements can help boost the health benefits of walking because they may support improved endurance, decreased inflammation, reduced aches and pains, joint health, bone strength, energy, and injury prevention.

Not all supplements are created equal, however. When choosing which supplements to incorporate into your walking routine, you’ll want to consider your purpose for taking them, e.g., for energy, weight loss, or hydration.  

You’ll also want to choose supplements made from health-boosting ingredients. All Truvy supplements, for instance, are created using all-natural ingredients. We encourage you to browse our listing of bestseller supplements and choose the products that best fit your needs. 

Adding a walk to your daily health regimen can help your joints, improve circulation, and reduce your risk for chronic disease. In short, walking can help you live longer. 

Pair walking with the right equipment and supplements, and you’ll be way on your way to living a healthier, happier life. 

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.