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Yes, how do you feel rejuvenated in just 10 minutes a day? Simple, you step outside and go for a walk 😃 Ah, I bet you didn't see this coming 😅

If you didn't that's probably because you are pretty new to the backyard gossip and you don't know me well enough, yet.

However, when you follow me for a while, you know that the Backyard Hiker didn't just happen overnight! It all started with me stepping outside because I was stuck and literally needed to step away from it all.

That's when I started to discover the benefits of walking! One thing led to another, the Backyard Hiker was born. Because the walking served me so well and I wanted to share this simple act of self-care with others, I created the #60daystodiscover well-being challenge!​

It's been a crazy adventure, but I know by now that stepping outside for a daily walk, even as short as 10 minutes, has many more benefits than feeling rejuvenated.

After 4 years of #walkingeverydamnday I experience every day what a positive impact walking has on my well-being but also on how I show up as an entrepreneur and how I run my coaching business.

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Here are 16 benefits of the daily walks I experience myself:

1. Improves Cardiovascular Health: Walking regularly strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Boosts Mental Health: Walking can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins, which enhance mood and reduce stress.
3. Aids in Weight Management: Consistent walking helps burn calories and maintain a healthy weight, contributing to overall fitness.
4. Enhances Bone Strength: Weight-bearing activities like walking increase bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
5. Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases: Regular walking lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and other chronic conditions by improving overall health markers.
6. Improves Joint Health: Walking lubricates and strengthens the joints, which can alleviate symptoms of arthritis and prevent joint stiffness.
7. Supports Immune Function: Moderate exercise like walking boosts the immune system, helping the body fight off illnesses more effectively.
8. Enhances Digestive Health: Walking aids digestion by stimulating the digestive tract, which can help prevent constipation and improve overall gut health.
9. Boosts Energy Levels: Walking increases blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles and organs, enhancing overall energy and reducing fatigue.
10. Improves Sleep Quality: Regular physical activity, including walking, promotes better sleep patterns and helps combat insomnia.
11. Supports Brain Health: Walking increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function, memory, and creativity.
12. Enhances Mood and Reduces Stress: Walking in nature, in particular, can lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and improving overall mood.
13. Promotes Longevity: Studies show that regular walking can increase lifespan by reducing the risk of various health conditions and promoting overall well-being.
14. Improves Balance and Coordination: Walking strengthens the muscles and improves balance, which can reduce the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
15. Supports Healthy Blood Pressure Levels: Regular walking helps keep blood pressure in check, reducing the risk of hypertension and associated complications.
16. Fosters Social Connections: Walking with friends, family, or in groups can strengthen social bonds, providing emotional support and enhancing mental health.

You can read more about my #walkingeverydamday journey in my latest blog post. ​

But you know what, I can share all these benefits with you, I can show you the way to scientific studies or to one of the many books that have been published about it. The best thing you can do is to experience it yourself!

Experience that doing something as simple as going outside might change your life!

That's why I want to invite you to join me on the upcoming #60daystodiscover well-being journey starting on the 1st of June.

And you don't need to take my word for it... go on a walk with Marielle Freeman from The Netherlands and discover what she likes about the #60daystodiscover challenge 🌿

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Looking forward to welcoming you Reader on this unique journey!

Peggy
xo

P.S. Why don't you give those 10 minutes already a try today? Tag me on IG if you went outside 😊
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