“Rise at 5 am. spend that first hour on fitness, gratitude and reading”
The 5 am club by Robin Sharma
I have been going for my morning walks now for a good 12 years. I walk on weekdays and weekends are generally reserved for family. In winters when it gets too cold to go out for a walk I replace my walks with exercise for about 20-30 min at home. Why am I so keen on a exercise routine one may ask ? What could be pushing me everyday to pursue? For starters, I am a “NO GYM” person. Yep! Haven’t stepped in one till date. I found that, with my morning walks alone I could achieve all of my daily goals for a balanced life. So, here are my top 5 reasons to pursue morning walks. If you are mulling over the if’s and but’s, may be now is the time to read this article.
1: To keep the sanity meter under check
I cannot stress on this enough and it tops my list. For most of us the constant demands on our limited time creates a state of stress 24/7. I am a working mom of two. With a house running on full throttle, growing kids outsmarting my planning every minute (never ending lists of assignments, tests, competitions, b’day invites)and a job to handle, my hands are full. It can drive you insane, overwhelm your senses. Walking, if nothing, has kept me grounded. Early morning zen moments which make you realize how infinitely small we are in the big universe and how petty our issues are keep you grounded. Introspection is a art to hone for keeps sake. The realization that one should let go, of what one can’t control certainly helps the sanity meter.
2: Multiple health benefits
The number of health benefits are numerous and several articles have been written on it. Its good for digestion, good for health of your skin, helps improve health of bone and muscles just to name a few. I have found people suffering from diverse issues such as constipation, lower back pain , irritable bowel syndrome benefiting from it. If you suffer from any chronic disorder do consult your physician. However, I am yet to find any health condition for which a morning walk is contraindicated.
3: To lose weight and keep it at bay:
Weight loss is a constant struggle for a lot of people. Regular walking combined with sensible eating pursued with the zeal of a gladiator is bound to yield results. I am blessed with healthy genes and a normal weight. However, to keep it in check morning walk is my only saviour. As I mentioned earlier I hate gym. Losing weight in this manner is more consistent. The weight loss achieved this way is unlikely to come back fast when compared to a “enroll now lose fast” gym promise. Of course the plus side is, if you are a regular walker you will feel less guilty indulging at times into your favourite comfort food.
4 A great headstart for the day
This one is a sure winner in terms of gaining control over your day. A morning walker invariably wakes up early. A good walk boosts physical energy and helps emotional quotient. So, you are starting your day with a more calm and balanced mind. You are way ahead in the game already compared to others. Now, compare this to waking up at the nth hour rushing through your bath literally gobbling the breakfast or simply gulping down the coffee and wrestling out in peak traffic. Phew! sounds familiar right ! Most successful people have this one habit in common of waking up early. I have mentioned it in my earlier post https://musingsmorningwalker.com/league-of-morning-men/ To say nothing of the clarity of mind it bestows on you. I am a avid planner and don’t waste your time kind of person. So, my morning walks are a huge blessing in terms of gaining perspectives on short and long term life goals. Whatever may be your life situation or vocation: business, student, 9-5 job, house manager ( sorry I find house wife a bit derogatory), you will find morning walks very helpful in terms of planning your day well and staying ahead of days schedule.
5: To become and remain positive:
Most of us get attracted to positive people and envy their constant high energy. I was once told by a cousin that “tiredness is a state of mind , not body”. (not sure if he was quoting someone else) It means if we are alive in our mind no amount of work will tire us out. When was the last time you felt like that? Staying positive through up and downs of life is way tougher than the selfhelp books make it sound. Waking up every day under a cloud, struggling with emotions, the mood swings, the guilt of it and the hopelessness which comes with it is not easy to handle. At some point we have all fought it. For some, however, it’s a bit longer and a harder struggle.(trust me ! I hear you) I firmly believe, for people struggling with depression, chronic pain disorder, stress related disorders, an early morning walk has huge benefits. It fills you with such energy and makes one lift his head out of the cloud. Trust me ! nature has that healing power if only you will allow it to do its magic.
So,there you go !. This is my list of top 5 Reasons to start morning walk. There are many many other benefits. However, in my experience its an individual journey. Each morning walker will surely tell you there own success stories. So write one for yourself by starting today.