(MotivateDaily.com) – With every sunrise, it’s time for a fresh start. This is also true when it comes to exercise and self-care. Whether you want to start the day with a vigorous workout or simply a change of scenery, benefits reach beyond physical. Getting out and experiencing the great outdoors can improve your entire well-being. Here’s how.
Helps Boost Vitamin D Levels
Spending time outdoors in a little sunshine has many benefits. The biggest one being vitamin D. Your body produces it when it’s exposed to sunlight. Having vitamin D helps you absorb calcium and phosphorus and boost the body’s immune system. It can also help combat bouts of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Getting out and engaging in a mild to brisk walk in the morning sunlight can give you a happy boost to start the day.
Reduces Stress
Getting out and pounding the path boosts cardio health, but it may be able to fight stress too. Exercise can help reduce the production of vital stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. It also releases endorphins, which generate the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators.
If you’re feeling the wrath of stress and anxiety, walking does more than just clear your head; it can help your mind relax.
Helps Recharge Your Metabolic State
Even if you don’t exercise routinely or intend to burn a lot of calories with your walk, it can still help boost metabolism. This is because if you walk first thing in the morning, your body begins to burn stored fat.
This can alter your body’s metabolic response and prevent issues like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Insulin levels are low at this time, so walking allows your body to turn to stored fat for energy. This is beneficial for overall health and may help reduce your risk for some types of heart disease.
Reduces Muscle Soreness
If you have a rigorous workout routine, or you’re recovering from an injury, your muscles are likely affected. Low levels of activity, like walking, can help build up surrounding muscles groups which eventually can help alleviate muscle soreness.
Walking wakes up stiff muscles and boosts blood flow to these areas. When cardio health and circulation is improved, it helps to relieve pain and discomfort by delivering more oxygen-rich blood to affected areas. In addition, more blood flow helps clear chemical irritants associated with pain.
Getting up and putting your running shoes on is a great way to start the day. It gives your body purpose and helps alleviate a myriad of things, including pain and stress. The good news is you can walk almost anywhere. So there really is no excuse. Set your alarm a little earlier tomorrow and get out and experience a new lease on life!
Here’s to Your Success!
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