I will admit that I did not think I would be a walker. In fact, I used to make fun of the speed-walkers, laughing at their intense facial expressions. It was only recently that I discovered the remarkable healing power of walking. Some chronic injuries forced me to take a break from high-impact exercise, and I had to replace it with something. That was when a friend of mine asked me to go walk through the park with her, and I realized that walking was not all that bad. Here are five reasons why everyone should go for more walks.

1. Walking is good for the mind.

Walking is good for your mind because it can relieve stress. Taking a break in the middle of your busy day to go for a walk can help distract you with the beauty of nature. In addition to reducing stress, walking can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and increase memory. According to Dr. Cyrus Raji from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, “Walking five miles per week protects the brain structure over 10 years in people with Alzheimer’s and MCI, especially in areas of the brain’s key memory and learning centers.”

2. Walking builds muscle.

Walking promotes muscle growth by activating the calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quads.

3. It increases Vitamin D.

Soaking in the sunlight while walking can do wonders for your mood and prevent vitamin D deficiency.

4. It's low-impact.

For injured athletes, walking is a great past time to take up because it is puts less stress on a person’s bones, joints, and muscles.

5. Walking can prevent heart diseases.

It is no secret that physical activity like brisk walking can prevent health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers. The Center for Health Studies reports that "walking more than four hours/week was associated significantly with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease hospitalization".

Walking was just what I needed to get past my problems, and I hope it can do the same for you!