Does walking help your brain stay sharp?
| A big YES to that question. Walking 5,000-7,500 steps a day slows Alzheimer’s related decline, helping your brain stay sharper, longer. Even small increases in movement – a thousand steps per week will help improve cognitive benefits. Here is the other half of this, training too intensely will push you into metabolic dysfunction and blood sugar instability. It is important to find your “sweet spot” – enough movement without pushing into the extreme. Here are a few steps you can follow without adding stress to your day. 1- Set a realistic daily step target between 5,000- 7,500. If you are inactive, aim for 1000, increasing that each week until you reach your personal goal. 2- Let your body tell you if you worked out too hard. If you feel sick after a workout, crash in the afternoon or have craving swings, you could be pushing too hard. Gauge how you feel after your workout. 3- Build recovery days into your week before your body demands them. One or two lower intensity days a week is good. 4- Create simple rituals that keep you consistent without causing more stress. Take a short walk after lunch, or walk while you are on a phone call. Keep your walking shoes by the door. Best yet, find a friend to walk with. Tiny adjustments create amazing habits. Hopefully you are already moving. If not, find your shoes, phone or a friend, and enjoy keeping your brain healthy. Much love and gratitude,Janalee and Andi |