Walking helps you sleep better

Guest Author - Hellie T.

Walking reduces stress levels and helps you relax, this helps you to get to sleep easier and sleep sounder.
If you are new to walking take a look at a walking plan . Walking at least three times a week or taking shorter walks every day help you sleep better because walking is proven to

Reduce stress levels, especially if you walk by water or through trees

Reduce levels of anxiety and improve your mood

Research has recently shown that the best time to go walking in order to help you sleep - is the late afternoon or early evening.
However people have known for centuries that walking after your meal helps your digestive system and helps you relax.

Before supper take a little walk, after supper do the same. - Erasmus

Have your evening meal and then try taking a stroll. Remember to walk at a pace that suits you and don’t get out of breath - you must be able to talk comfortably as you walk.

Don’t walk to the pub/cafe and have an alcoholic drink or even a coffee as both caffeine and alcohol will undo all the benefits of your walk – caffeine and alcohol both make it more difficult for your body to sleep peacefully.

Walking outside in the fresh air and sunlight has also been proved to help you sleep peacefully another reason to go out for a walk.

Walking is a man's best medicine. Hippocrates

If you do go for a brisk walk later in the day make sure that for the last part of your walk you slow down and stroll gently, as this will give your heartbeat time to get back to normal.

If you can’t get to sleep - walk about your home – don’t switch on the television or have a cup of tea but pace around the room or hallway – concentrate on your breathing and posture in a quiet environment and you will feel more relaxed and ready to sleep. Then the next day go out for a longer walk.

Enjoy your walking