When it comes to regular physical activity, regular walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. While walking isn’t as intense as a more strenuous workout, it is an excellent way to increase physical fitness and improve overall health. For many people, the question of when to take a walk can be tricky. Is it better to walk in the morning or the afternoon?The answer depends on the person, their individual schedule, and the benefits they hope to gain from the activity. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of morning and afternoon walking, what time of day is optimal for walking, the role of mental health in morning or afternoon walks, and a few safety tips for making the most of your morning or afternoon walk.
Benefits of Morning Walks
Morning walks provide many short-term and long-term benefits. On a short-term basis, morning walks wake up the body, gets the blood flowing, helps fight fatigue and usher in a sense of alertness. Going outside into natural sunlight during a morning walk helps keep the circadian rhythm in check and provides Vitamin Ds. This can clear the mind and set a healthy tone for the day ahead.
Over the long-term, morning walks can provide a boost to overall health. Studies show that regular morning walking, combined with other healthy lifestyle choices can reduce stress, aid in digestion, improve cardiovascular health, help with weight management, and even increase overall happiness and productivity.
Benefits of Afternoon Walks
Walking in the afternoon has its own set of benefits as well. Afternoon walks are a great way to build up energy for the remainder of the day. Getting up and going for a walk during a work break helps revitalize both your body and mind by providing an energy boost. Afternoon walks can also be an excellent source of Vitamin D and help with the regulation of internal clocks.
Studies have found that post-meal walks can be particularly beneficial. Going for a walk immediately after eating aids digestion and improves metabolism in addition to providing other benefits such as reduced stress and improved cognitive function.
What Time of Day is Optimal for Walking?
While morning or afternoon walks both have their own unique benefits, there is no single answer as to what time of day is best for walking. It largely depends on a person’s schedule and lifestyle. However, research suggests that the optimal time for walking is in the morning between 6 AM to 10 AM or in the late afternoon between 4 PM to 8 PM. This is because these times tend to be cooler and more conducive for a more comfortable walk.
Exercise and Energy Levels Throughout the Day
Exercising at different times of the day can have an effect on overall energy levels throughout the day. Morning walks tend to provide an energetic boost that can last through the day while afternoon walks can be more restorative due to their ability to reenergize individuals. Walking at different times of the day may even help regulate sleeping patterns.
How to Incorporate Morning or Afternoon Walks into Your Schedule
Incorporating regular morning or afternoon walks into a daily routine requires dedication and a well-crafted plan. Start by creating an achievable goal that won’t feel overwhelming. For example, start with 15 minutes rather than trying to walk for an hour straight. Secondly, set aside a specific time frame each day for either a morning or an afternoon walk.
It is also important to make sure that you have comfortable shoes and clothing designed for walking before heading out. Lastly, for those who need some extra motivation, consider getting a fitness tracker to track progress and set incentives. Tracking progress through a fitness tracker will also help individuals stay motivated by watching their progress over time.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Morning or Afternoon Walk
In addition to making sure that you are adequately prepared with the right clothing and shoes, there are other tips to making a morning or afternoon walk more worthwhile and enjoyable. Start by finding an enjoyable route that you enjoy, so that it doesn’t feel like you’re just putting one foot in front of another.
If you like music try putting together a playlist specifically tailored for your walk session. And if you’re walking alone try utilizing technology like podcasts or audiobooks to help keep you distracted. Finally, if you’re able to take your morning or afternoon walk with a friend or family member, it can help make the walk more enjoyable as well.
The Role of Mental Health in Morning or Afternoon Walks
Exploring nature via morning or afternoon walking has been found to have tremendous mental health benefits. Taking regular walks can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression while improving cognitive functioning. In addition to providing exercise, fresh air, and natural sunlight, taking regular walks may also be a powerful antidote to stress.
Picking the Right Location for a Morning or Afternoon Walk
Safety is top priority when it comes to your morning or afternoon walk. Ideally, you should pick a location that is well-lit and relatively populous. When heading out alone go with familiar trails or paths you’re comfortable exploring. You should also pay attention to your intuition: if something doesn’t feel quite right turn around and go back.
Pre- and Post-Walk Safety Tips
In addition to finding the right location for your walk it’s important to employ a few safety tips both before and after your walk. Pre-walk safety measures include completing your pre-walk check list including hydration status, attire check (including lights if walking at night) and stretching beforehand. Post-walk safety tips include things like removing headphones when crossing streets and properly stretching out after the walk is complete.
To sum up, engaging in regular walking has immense mental and physical benefits regardless of when it is done—in the morning or in the afternoon. It really pf depends on timing and personal schedules as well as personal preference when it comes to walking. However, always make sure to practice safety tips both before and after your walk, pick your route wisely and wear appropriate attire.