Start a new family tradition and head out for a walk together after dinner. Not only will it help shake off that stuffed feeling, but there are so many benefits for the entire family.
1. Walking helps you digest dinner
Multiple studies have found that a post-meal walk helps with digestion and improves blood sugar levels. And it doesn’t take long — just a short 15-minute walk is enough to see the effects.
2. Walking helps you connect
Watching TV after a meal won’t help you connect with your kids. But walking together allows you to have interesting conversations and make meaningful connections.
3. Walking gets you out of the house
We are all feeling a little stir -crazy these days. Just leaving the house for a short walk is enough to lift our spirits and make us hopeful that things will be back to normal soon.
4. Walking decreases stress
Walking after a meal, causes your body to release endorphins, which is a feel-good chemical that reduces stress. It also releases serotonin, which increases positive feelings, among other things.
5. Walking boosts your blood flow
Walking requires your heart to pump more blood throughout your body, which is beneficial for your muscles, limbs, and organs. And better circulation from moving means a healthier vascular system, transporting nutrients that allow your bones, muscles, and organs to work more efficiently.
6. Walking increases energy levels
Feeling a little sluggish after the big meal? Walking even short distances can increase your metabolism rate which helps burn off those calories you just ate!
7. Walking is incredibly beneficial
Studies have found that walking can provide relief from arthritis, strengthen abdominal and back muscles and reduce the risk of developing a physical disability as we age by 41 percent.
8. Walking helps you get more restful sleep
For most people, regardless of age, an evening walk promotes a faster, deeper sleep when you crawl into bed. And that benefits everyone!
