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Whether walking, running, jumping, skipping, dancing, or swimming, we use our large muscles in our legs and arms. (Of course, if we have a handicap, we usually use one or the other.) Either way, we are ultimately working our hearts, and relieving stress.

In this article, I will discuss a little about walking and the reduction of stressful emotions, as well as the physical benefits to our bodies and our hearts.

People walk for many reasons! Some walk to control weight, while others walk to relieve stress or to think things over and plan out their weeks, months, and even years! Others walk because they feel closer to their God and to their "inner" selves. There are others who walk because their doctors advised it. Whatever the reasons you walk, you are replenishing your body with oxygen which allows your heart to efficiently pump blood (which contains oxygen) to all of your extremities and innards, allowing your "machine" to be in ultimate working condition.

Personally, I walk to think, plan and meditate. Sometimes I find myself walking and didn't realize how far I had gone. This is a great stress reliever, as well as good for my heart and soul. For those who walk for other reasons, make the trip a fun one and change your thoughts! In other words, if you walk to "be with" another person, make it a walk alone and make yourself plan or think. If you happen to be a person who walks because it controls your weight, make it a meditative trip and get in touch with your true self or your God. You can even concentrate on the breathing you do; just think about breathing all the "good" "in" and all the "stress" and "bad" out! You will feel euphoric, relaxed and actually motivated to walk longer. (be sure not to hyperventilate, as this will make you feel light-headed and you might even pass out) No matter what types of reasons you have for "taking that walk", you are releasing a chemical called dopamine into your system. This chemical is a natural "calmer", and whether you realize or feel it's benefits, it is doing the job!

I once knew a man who ran very long distances, and he talked about the "addiction" he probably had to the release of dopamine in his system. He talked about how great he felt mentally when he had finished, and how terrible he would feel when he let his long-distance run slide for a couple of days. He would actually go into a "meditative" state while running his distance, which probably allowed him to run farther and farther.

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