National Walking Day 2025: Save yourself from diabetes, heart diseases and cancers by walking daily

Walking benefits: Walking daily reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, making it one of the easiest ways to keep your heart in shape (Image: Canva)

National Walking Day is a perfect reminder to get up, stretch your legs, and move your body. Take a peaceful walk in the park, a stroll around your neighborhood to catch up with friends, or a quick trip to the market, there are plenty of reasons to walk.

But if you’re still not convinced, the World Health Organization (WHO) gives more reasons. According to the WHO, regular physical activity helps prevent and manage serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. It also improves brain health, reduces stress and anxiety, and boosts your well-being.

Here are six major health benefits of making walking a daily habit:

• Keeps your heart healthy: Walking gets your heart pumping, improves circulation, and helps lower blood pressure. It reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, making it one of the easiest ways to keep your heart in shape.

How to lose weight: A brisk walk burns calories, boosts metabolism, and helps maintain a healthy weight. It’s a great way to keep extra kilos off without needing an intense workout routine (Image: Canva)

• Helps manage weight: A brisk walk burns calories, boosts metabolism, and helps maintain a healthy weight. It’s a great way to keep extra kilos off without needing an intense workout routine.

• Reduces the risk of diabetes: Walking regularly improves how your body uses insulin and helps regulate blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Strengthens joints and muscles: Walking keeps your joints flexible, strengthens muscles, and can even help relieve arthritis pain. It’s a low-impact exercise that keeps you moving without putting too much strain on your body.

• Boosts mood and reduces stress: Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? A simple walk can work wonders. It releases endorphins, your body’s natural mood boosters, helping to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and lift your spirits.

• Helps you sleep better: If you are struggling with restless nights, walking can help. Regular walking helps to regulate your sleep cycle, improve sleep quality, and leave you feeling more refreshed in the morning.