Walking: A foolproof way to a healthy life

In today's busy and technology-dependent life, we often forget that the real beauty of life lies in some simple habits. One such simple yet invaluable habit is walking for a while daily. If this one habit can be maintained regularly, it is possible to keep the body and mind healthy.

I recently read an article where it was said that if you walk at least 8,000 steps every day, the risk of premature death is reduced by half. I was really surprised to read this. Compared to all the big treatments or exercises that we think of, walking is much easier. It has even been said that walking a little faster for 7 minutes than walking slowly for 14 minutes can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 14 percent.

Many people think that you have to walk 10,000 steps. But it is good to know that this idea was born from advertising, not science. The main thing is whether you walk regularly or not, and whether you try to walk a little faster as much as you can.

What struck me the most is that walking is not only good for the body, but also for the mind and brain. The type of work that happens in our brain while walking is directly related to our memory, imagination and creativity. It has also been said that many new ideas come to mind while walking, which might not have come if we were sitting.

Especially if we walk in nature, such as trees, fresh air, and birdsong — then the mind becomes more relaxed. Many doctors are now recommending ‘nature prescription’ or walking in nature, which has a great effect on the body and mind.

Also, walking helps prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Just think, in today’s world where millions of people are dependent on medicine, how much this one simple habit can change.

Our health system still depends on medicine only when there is a disease. However, if we focus on prevention at the beginning, such as developing a habit like walking, then maybe so many medicines, so many big hospitals, so many expenses — everything will be reduced a lot.

I feel that small decisions in life make a big difference. If we take out 10-15 minutes every day and walk a little in the park, on the street, or the roof of our house, then a lot of positive changes can happen.

Finally, if someone wants to decide to do something good for themselves from today, the first step can be to start walking. Maybe this is the simple ‘medicine’ in our life, which is stronger than medicine.