It is conventional wisdom at this point that exercise is good for the body, but new research shows that exercise alone, without medication, can significantly impact your future brain health
Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day, five days a week has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia by anywhere from 30 to 50 percent. It can also improve overall brain function and cognitive performance.
Increasing daily movement is something that can be implemented immediately—no need for a prescription from your doctor. If you are currently inactive, start out slowly by adding 5-10 minute walks. As you gain strength, gradually add minutes until you reach the goal of a brisk, 30-minute walk most days of the week.
If you feel sluggish in the morning, consider squeezing in a brisk walk when you first wake up. Though it may be hard at first to set that alarm clock back a half hour, soon you’ll find a morning workout boosts your daily productivity. Or if you find energy dwindling in the middle of your workday, spend half of your lunch break walking the halls or going outdoors when weather permits. Finally, a post-dinner, evening walk is a great way to wind down and reflect on the day.
Whatever you decide to do, I think you will find that daily walks are a great way to improve your physical and mental health—in both the short and long term.