Walking Your Way to Better Health

Did you know that walking is one of the best exercises you can do for your overall health? You don’t need expensive gym membership or fancy equipment when a nice walk in the park will do the trick! It’s a free, easy way to boost your mood, stay fit and keep your bones strong and healthy. Walking is a flexible activity too - you can do it at your own pace and in your favourite places; whether that means walking on the spot in the comfort of your front room, taking a brisk stroll along the local high street or wandering along the riverbank. Here’s what walking can do for you:

Improve your physical health

Many of us spend too much time sitting down these days but humans are made to move, and walking is one of our most basic movements and instincts. Getting that heart pumping, moving those muscles and bearing weight in a low-impact way will help improve your circulation, heart health, flexibility and bone strength.

If you want to push your limits and get more cardiovascular exercise, fast-walking or walking long distances might be up your street. But if a gentle stroll is more in line with your preferences and abilities it can still have plenty of physical benefits. Even if you’re a little unsteady on your feet, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice walk. Using the right walking aids or walking with a carer who can help support you will mean you don’t miss out.

Boost your mental health

Exercise and fresh air are a great combination when it comes to boosting your mood. It feels good to get your body moving and activity releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones we all need. Being outside, especially in nature, has been shown to help reduce depression and can help us feel calmer and more relaxed. Who doesn’t love a lazy stroll under rustling trees and through soft grass while listening to the birds? It puts a smile on your face!

Being outside also helps you top up your vitamin D, which is particularly important as our levels deplete with age. And then there’s the social aspect. Walking can help combat loneliness. You never know who you’ll bump into on a walk. You might meet old friends or make new ones, either way, walking can be a great way to socialise and connect with others in your community.

Making the most of life

So, there you have it. Staying active by going for a walk can work wonders for your overall health. But sometimes it isn’t that easy, particularly if you have a health condition that makes it more difficult to venture out alone. That’s where our homecare services can help. With the support of a dedicated Bluebird Care Assistant, getting out in the fresh air and exercising safely is a possibility again.

We’re here to help all our homecare customers live life to the full, so if you’d like to know how we could help you or someone you love, get in touch today!