Freshening up

I went for 3 morning walks from Tanjong Rhu to Flower Dome in October. I haven't done this for quite a while as I had some family commitment. Should resume this soon. 

12 Benefits of Morning Walk You Should Know

For many people who hate to get out of bed early, walking in the morning may seem to be a real challenge. However, with all these benefits of morning walk, you might as well try it.

1. It’s a Great Way to Start the Day

Everyone who walks in the morning will tell you that it is a great way to start the day. Whether you are going to your office or doing some chores at home, waking up early and starting your day with a morning walk will surely energize you and get you in the mood to start the day. So, next time, instead of jumping out of the bed and hurrying off to work, start the day early with an easy morning walk.

2. It Freshens Up Your Mind

This is actually one of the best benefits of morning walk. Whether you had a good night’s sleep or not, waking up for a morning walk is guaranteed to help you start the day with a fresh mind. The morning sun and cool air will boost your mood and prevent stress from setting in before all the worries of the day begin.

3. It Counts as Physical Exercise

If you don’t have the time to go to the gym, a morning walk will give you the chance to do some exercise. It can also be a form of a warm-up exercise before you start your routines. With this, you don’t need special equipment or club memberships and you can adjust your time and pace according to your needs.

As physical exercise, morning walks can help you burn calories, strengthen your bones and muscles, and keep you in shape. It can help promote physical well-being and prevent disease, which are usually related to a sedentary lifestyle. Many experts recommend regular walking to promote good circulation and to prevent heart disease.

4. It Helps Beat Stress

The mental and emotional benefits of morning walk include reducing stress by increasing your body’s production of “feel good” hormones. To achieve this, try to walk briskly, until you feel sweaty. Physical exertion helps release brain chemicals that help reduce anxiety – an effect that is better than all the pills other people might take.

5. You Get Some Time to Plan Your Day

The best time to plan your day is when your mind is clear and you feel good physically. You can do this while taking your morning walk. It helps you think clearly during the day. It gives you time to be alone with your thoughts before all the chaos of the day begin.

So instead of rushing to work with no clear sense of direction on how to conduct the affairs of the day, take a few minutes to walk in the morning and lay out in your mind which tasks you must prioritize. You will be surprised how well your activities may go on smoothly with a little planning in the morning.

6. It Prevents Mental Deterioration

Studies suggest that one long-term benefit of walking regularly in the morning is that it helps prevent mental deterioration as you age. Dementia is common in the elderly, but studies show that regular exercise, such as walking reduces your risk of the disease and helps preserve your brain function as you age.

7. It Helps You Socialize

You do not have to walk alone all the time. Sometimes, walking is more fun and energizing if you do it with a friend, a family member, or a group of people. This can help you keep up the habit of getting regular exercise and can give you the chance to socialize before starting a long day at work.

8. It Gives You Energy All the Day

Early morning walks can help improve your circulation and give you energy to begin a long day. Most people who wake up late and go straight to work feel lethargic during the day and very tired towards the end of the day. But those who walk regularly in the morning usually feel energized all day because of the boost in circulation and good hormones that keep the body fit.

9. It Improves Your Appetite

It gives you a good appetite for the most important meal of the day – breakfast. While most people would wake up late and hurry off to work without a good breakfast, you must try to eat a healthy breakfast after a morning walk. The combination of physical exercise and a healthy breakfast will help you maintain proper weight because it will help keep you full longer before lunch.

10. It Helps You Stay Positive

What can make you positive, but a great morning walk followed by a healthy breakfast? The benefits of morning walk make you think positive during the day. Even if you meet some trials at work, starting your day in a positive way can help you manage these challenges and prevent overwhelming stress. Whether you are walking alone and enjoying the fresh air and scenery or walking with a group of friends, you are bound to forget any feelings of loneliness or anxiety when the “feel good” hormones kick in.

11. It Helps You Lose Weight

One of the important benefits of regular exercise is weight loss. If you want your morning walk to help you burn calories, try walking as briskly as you can. You burn more calories by increasing your speed, so challenge yourself by walking faster than a stroll. You will not only burn calories but reduce your blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. However, you must also remember to eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

12. It Helps You Sleep Soundly

Finally, one of the important benefits of morning walk is that it helps you get a good night’s sleep. Yes, it helps you start the day right and end it right as well. Walking exercises the body while relaxing the mind. With a properly functioning circulatory system, strong muscles and positive attitude, it is easy to see why you will undoubtedly get a good quality sleep every night.