A Holiday Stroll Is Good for Body AND Soul
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 15, 2022
It’s that time of year again.
No, I’m not talking about the holidays. Not directly, anyway.
It’s the weather I was referring to. Because, let’s face it, with the dropping temperatures it’s getting a lot harder to spend time outside.
The cold and often unpredictable winter weather is practically an invitation to curl up on the couch. After all, SOMEONE needs to eat those Christmas cookies and watch those holiday movies.
It’s only for a few months of the year… it can’t hurt, right?
WRONG. There are some very good reasons to NOT give into that couch-potato urge (and some FANTASTIC ones to head outside for a walk).
I get it, the weather isn’t always the best this time of year.
But I STILL encourage you to make every effort to get outside for a walk at least once a day, preferably soon after eating dinner.
There are some great reasons to put on your coat and winter boots and head out that door.
- Digestion: Walking after a meal helps with digestion. Research has found a stroll speeds up the time it takes for food to make its way from your stomach to the small intestine. This helps you feel more satisfied after eating (satiety) as well as head off heartburn and reflux.
- Mood: Walking is an overall mood brightener that studies show drives away depression (especially if done with a companion). Plus, choosing an outdoor evening stroll instead of watching a stimulating game or a thrilling TV show can be a calming way to end the day. And that could be especially helpful during the holidays.
- Sleep: Research shows walking can improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. Plus, it often helps you fall asleep faster.
- Connection: My wife and I walk together all the time. It’s a great way to connect and chat about our lives.
- Blood Sugar: Studies show walking after your meals is one of the best ways to control blood sugar. Several studies found anywhere from a 10 to 20-minute post-meal walk effectively lowers plasma glucose levels. And a recent meta-analysis published in Sports Medicine found walks as short as two to five minutes lead to significantly lower blood sugar levels after meals.
The bottom line: a daily stroll is good for both your body AND soul.
One pleasant surprise is that the cold likely won’t bother you nearly as much as you fear. The movement will keep you warm and you’ll quickly adapt to the temperature.
P.S. How about a bonus benefit? It turns out walking can ALSO send your risk of early death plunging by up to 67 percent! Find out exactly how long you need to walk to get this incredible life-extending benefit RIGHT HERE. (Spoiler alert… it’s not NEARLY as much as you might imagine.)
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
$5 Pharmacy Find Reverses Aging by 4 Months (Or MORE)
We’re all searching for the elusive fountain of youth. You know—the one anti-aging hack that will give us more happy, healthy years on this Earth. But what if I told you that a simple supplement you can pick up at any pharmacy today might actually slow down your biological aging? A groundbreaking new study suggests...
Why We Crave Crunchy Foods When We're Stressed
Ever notice how you tend to reach for chips, crackers, or pretzels when you’re stressed? That satisfying crunch isn’t just pleasing to your taste buds—that craving is your body’s clever way of calming itself. I’ve been researching this connection for years, and what I’ve learned explains a lot about stress snacking. Even better, it’s revealed...
Scientists Discover Hidden CAUSE of Stubborn Diabetes
If, despite diet and exercise, you’re struggling to control type 2 diabetes, this might be the most important thing you read this year. New research uncovered a microscopic malfunction in muscle cells—and it could be sabotaging your body’s response to insulin. The most shocking part? It has nothing to do with your diet, weight, or...
Mailbag: 7 Natural Allergy Fighters That Won't Leave You Drowsy
“I have a really bad allergy and take an antihistamine every 3rd day because they are bad for your health. I really need to take one a day but I suffer so I will not overdo it. Is there anything out there that is natural that really works? Thank you,” Sneezy and Allergic Hi Sneezy, It’s...
Eat 23 of These Daily to SLASH Heart Risk [DELICIOUS!]
When it comes to heart health, we’re constantly told what we need to cut out. You know the drill—ditch the salt, dump the sugar, and avoid the processed foods. But what if I told you that adding something to your diet could be just as effective for protecting your heart? A comprehensive new scientific analysis...
"Yellow Devil" Fruit CRUSHES Blood Pressure Better Than Meds
I have a confession to make. I hate bananas. Even the smell of them causes my stomach to flip. The funny thing is that I have an uncle and a daughter who are the same—so I wonder if it’s genetic. But even though I consider them the yellow devil of the fruit world, I recommend...
50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging
Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...
The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room
If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....
“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...
Do THIS Daily to Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance
For any couch potatoes out there… I have some exciting news. If you’ve been avoiding exercise because you hate the gym or don’t have the time, that might be about to change. A groundbreaking study reveals how a few simple moves, done daily in your own home, could dramatically improve your fitness—even if you’ve skipped...