Walking benefits are often downplayed. Many people think that walking is a casual activity. Many others may not want to do it because they prefer to drive. 

According to the Ministry of Health website, research shows that the average Indonesian walks only 3,513 steps. Based on the Ministry of Health website, less than 5,000 steps per day fall into the “Lack of Movement” category.

Meanwhile, 5,000-7,499 steps are considered “Less Active”; 7,500-9,999 steps are categorized as “Slightly Active”; 10,000-12,499 steps are labeled “Active”; and more than 12,500 steps per day are classified as “Very Active”.

 

To lead a healthy lifestyle, you can start with small things, like walking to school or work. Walking does not only offer health benefits but also helps preserve the environment.

As a habit, walking can become a sustainable lifestyle, which may help reduce carbon emissions. To find out more about walking benefits, check out the following article.

Health Benefits of Walking Every Day

Walking every day has a good impact on health. The following are the health benefits of daily walking.

1. Lose Weight

Actively moving your body by walking can be good for weight management. You can burn at least 150 calories by walking for just 30 minutes every day. Routinely walking can help control your weight, which makes your body healthier. 

2. Increase Energy

With regular walking schedules, you can increase your energy. Walking can increase the oxygen flow throughout the body and activate the hormones cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. 

These benefits will make your body more synergized. More than that, walking can increase energy more effectively than drinking coffee.

Read also: How to Teach Kids Sustainable Living for a Better Environment

3. Prevent Osteoporosis

Walking may seem simple, but it can help reduce health risks, one of which is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs due to bone loss. This condition makes bones brittle and easily broken. Regular walking schedules can be early osteoporosis prevention. To improve your health, you can combine walking with other activities, such as jogging and hiking.

4. Reduce Stress

By walking regularly, you can reduce and prevent stress. When walking or doing other physical activities, your body will produce endorphins that can improve your mood. In addition, walking every day can reduce anxiety and depression, which helps make you sleep better.

5. Strengthen Endurance

Another benefit of walking every day is that it strengthens your immune system. With a strong immune system, you are not susceptible to disease. Several studies state that someone who walks for 30 to 45 minutes daily is less likely to get sick than those who do not walk.

6. Improve Creativity and Focus

Walking can help improve focus. Engaging in a routine walk may improve mental clarity and the ability to think throughout the day. In addition, walking can accelerate oxygen flow and blood supply to the brain, which helps you to think more creatively.

Read also: Here’s How Moms Can Help Save the Earth from the Climate Crisis 

7. Prevent Heart Attack

Walking day-to-day can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and keep blood pressure stable. This lifestyle may lower the risk of heart attack. A routine walking exercise can increase blood circulation and strengthen the heart.

8. Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

If you walk every day, you may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, which makes your body use glucose efficiently. Engaging in a routine walking exercise, like walking a mile a day, can also keep your blood sugar stable.

Benefits of Walking for the Environment

According to the Sekretariat Kabinet Republik Indonesia website, the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) estimated that the Indonesian population will lose 2.5 years of life expectancy due to current air pollution. 

In addition, the IQAir World Air 2021 released in March 2022 stated that Indonesia was ranked 17th as the country with the highest percentage of air pollution in the world. 

You can participate in the effort to not worsen the air pollution by walking. Not only does this habit improve your health, but it can also help reduce carbon emissions.

You can walk instead of using public transportation to get to the nearby places. This habit is highly encouraged, especially for the active young generation. As a young generation, you must care about the environment for a better future.

A simple thing, like walking to public transportation stops or stations, can help reduce carbon emissions. Instead of driving around with personal vehicles, the use of public transportation is better for the environment. 

That’s all about walking benefits, both for health and for the environment. By making this activity regular, you can live a healthier life while contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

Speaking of environmental conservation, Indonesia Asri has several #AksiAsri initiatives with the objective of realizing a greener Indonesia. One of them is the Operasi Semut movement by Indonesia Asri.

This program aims to educate the public about the importance of waste before it is finally disposed of. Through this program, we want to share knowledge about waste management and highlight that waste can be recycled and transformed into valuable items.

Let’s be a part of Indonesia Asri to make Indonesia greener and register now!

Read also: Why Humans Play a Crucial Role in Environmental Conservation