7 reasons why you should consider walking to work

We understand! Getting to work quickly and easily is the main aim of most workers. Reduce the stress, stay warm and dry, enjoy an extra 15 minutes in bed (or catching up on programmes you’ve missed with a steaming hot coffee). But, making the decision to walk to work holds bigger benefits than that extra caffeine shot (and, in fairness, you could take your cuppa with you on the journey).

Here’s why MKing the change to your commute and opting to walk to work can make such a difference.

Improve your fitness

You could pay for gym membership or you could make a small change to your commuting habits and reap the rewards.

Walking is a form of cardiovascular exercise that isn’t exhausting. If you can walk fast enough to raise your heart rate, breathing, and temperature then you’re doing the same as a gym visit and some time on the treadmill.

Better mental health

Extensive research has found that exercise can improve mental health. Exercise releases positive endorphins which improve our mood, meaning that a walk to work could mean that you arrive with a positive outlook.

Additionally, deciding to walk means that you can separate yourself from your phone and truly absorb the views and surroundings around you.

Reduce health problems

Studies have shown that walking just 15 minutes a day can reduce the risk of early mortality by 14%! Walking to work significantly reduces the risk of conditions like diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Lower Stress Levels

Walking reduces stress levels. It makes sense if you think about it. Increasing the travel time between your workplace and home, and reducing stress factors related to driving eg. traffic jams, reduces the strain.

Create more time for yourself

How often do you say that you don’t have the time to make it to the gym? For many of us time is precious, so utilising your commute to exercise means that you still have time outside of work for your family, friends and hobbies.

Save Money

Driving, taking the bus, it all costs money. With a daily bus ticket costing just over £5 per day and maintaining and driving a car costing more, a walk to work could potentially save you £25 per week. That saving could mean a nice holiday with your loved ones or friends.

If you’re thinking about making the switch and walking to work, why not see if any of your colleagues would like to join you. You could even set up a competitive walking club.