Exercising has many benefits beyond weight loss, but many people skip out on workouts because they can’t seem to find the time to fit it in. Although aerobic workouts do have many positive health benefits, any form of activity can help improve your overall health, even if it’s just walking for 20 minutes a day.

Whether you wake up a bit earlier, fit in a lunch break during work, or go on an evening stroll, taking a brief walk can help change many aspects of your life. If you’re looking to improve your overall well-being, consider these health benefits of walking just 20 minutes a day.

Improved Mood

Studies have shown that taking a moderately-paced walk can improve your mood.  Getting your body moving even if it is just a stroll helps release endorphins that trigger positive feelings in your body.

Increased Energy

If you hit a 3 o’clock slump everyday, you may want to get moving.  Researchers from University of Georgia found that people who walked 20 minutes per day reported feeling more energized and less fatigued.  Walking increases blood flow, which in turn increases the body’s ability to create energy.

Lowered Risk of Heart Disease

Walking for 20 minutes per day can reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke by eight percent.  Walking for 40 minutes per day can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease up to 18 percent!

Stronger Memory

People walk have a larger hippocampus (the area of the brain that is responsible for memory).  Studies have shown that a daily walk can improve spatial memory as well as lower risk of dementia.

Weight Loss

Looking to decrease some belly fat?  Just 20 minutes a day can help shrink your waistline and burn off calories.  Walking helps reduce the visceral fat, the deep fat in your body.

Its free, enjoyable, and already a part of your everyday life! Enjoy!

-Taryn Sugar