An early morning stroll is a blessing for the whole day said Henry
David Thoreau. And how right was he! Starting your day with a brisk walk, or
even a unhurried stroll around the neighborhood has many benefits. It gives you
a normal energy boost and you feel invigorated. Physical activity early in the
morning is obliging because it ensures greater mental sharpness for the rest of
the day. You also feel more active and fresh throughout the day, as opposed to
when you feel lethargic because you wake up late. The temperature during the
morning is conducive to exercising, with no sun to bother you. Moreover, you
can use the time to plan out the rest of your day, allot a specific time to
each task you plan to achieve and sketch a schedule to follow. A brisk walk
early on in the morning ascertains that you sleep better at night. In a
previous article of mine (Ten Ways to Sleep Quickly and Easily at Night), I
have mentioned how physical action during the day helps one sleep better at
night. The same logic holds true here. Walking tires the body out and
therefore, sleep comes easily when you hit the pillow at night. In fact, daily
morning walks also help to regulate your sleep cycle as you get up at the same
time every day. Brain scans have even proved that exercise early in morning
helps a person spend about 75% more time in deep sleep, in contrast to exercise
done later in the day. The right kind of lifestyle can go a long way in making
sure that your danger of developing cancer is lowered. Morning walks are a form
of exercise, which, if undertaken regularly can lower cancer risks. A study by
the National Cancer Institute found that walking rapidly for one hour every day
for most of the week significantly reduces breast cancer risk in middle aged
women. Another study found that walking improves breast cancer continued
existence rates. Fast paced walks also help to reduce the risk of colon cancer
by ensuring that carcinogens do not stay in protracted contact with the
intestinal lining of the body, according to a study published in 1999.
