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Take a Walk – It’s Good For Your Mind and Body
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Recommendations are that people enjoy 30 minutes of activity every day. Walking is one of the best ways to do this. You get outside in the fresh air to stretch the muscles and get the heart pumping. If it’s sunny, you soak up some vitamin D, too. Walking is good for the body and mind.
Here are all the benefits walking provides.
Take a Look at the Benefits of a Daily Walk
Home Care Services Rancho Palos Verdes CA – Take a Walk – It’s Good For Your Mind and Body
Studies find that people who walk at least 15,000 steps (about seven miles) are less likely to be overweight. They have healthier cholesterol levels and normal blood pressure readings. They’re also less likely to have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
A daily walk helps clear the mind. It can lower stress and anxiety. If you care for your parents, after a walk, you’ll return with a better frame of mind. Your frustration and stress will have decreased, which makes it less likely that you’ll be snappy with your parents when they’re not cooperating.
How to Make Sure the Walk Benefits Your Health
Aim for at least 10,000 steps per day. This is going to benefit you the most. You don’t have to do it all at once. Go for several walks each day. Get the steps in within your home, too. Walk up and down stairs or around the house taking the longer route when possible.
If you have to go to the bathroom, don’t take the most direct route when possible. You’ll get more steps in. Walk to the mailbox. Don’t stop at the mailbox when you drive home from work, appointments, or shopping trips.
The pace of your walk needs to be steady. You don’t have to rush, but make sure you’re walking as fast as you can. You want the walk to get your heart pumping a little harder. Swing your arms while you walk for more of a workout.
How Do You Find Time?
Family caregivers often struggle to find enough time for exercise. How do you fit in daily walks when your parents need you throughout the day? You need to talk to a home care services agency about respite care.
Respite care is a service where a professional caregiver comes to your parents’ home and takes over care while you go out. Use respite care to run errands, go for a walk, or visit friends and family for some socialization. Find out more about respite care rates by talking to our home care services representative.
