Walking really can provide you with an array of benefits, and in this article, we’re going to take a look at exactly how getting out in the open and putting the steps in can support your mind! Together, let’s take a look at the mental health benefits of walking to work, and we’ll even supply you with some great ideas of how you can use your Juno Points to support you with your wonderful new walking habit!

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6 Mental Health Benefits of Walking To Work

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Whether your workplace is safely accessible by walking and you want to walk the entire way to work, you’re keen to get off the Underground a stop or two early so you can get your steps in, or you work from home and you want to incorporate work into your morning routine before you sit down for the day, there are many ways you can walk to work, and lots of mental health benefits that come with it! So, let’s take a look at them!

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1. Creates “You Time” Before Work

Walking to work gives you a set time that you have all to yourself (unless you walk with a friend, which has its own host of benefits associated with it!). Whether you have a busy day planned at the office or you’re feeling like you need to increase the amount of time you dedicate to spending time by yourself, a walk to work can help!

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2. Boosts Your Energy Levels

Both the physical motion of moving your body by walking and the mental feeling of propelling yourself forward can boost your energy levels and help you feel more alert going into your workday. No more sleepy commuter journeys: put a spring in your step by moving!

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3. Helps You Sleep

Although it might sound contradictory to the point above, walking to work will actually help you sleep, and improved sleep is linked with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Walking does this in two ways - by supporting your circadian rhythm by exposing you to daylight and by helping your body to expel energy. So, walk more and sleep better!

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4. Lowers Stress Levels

Walking lowers your stress levels by allowing you to spend time clearing your mind, helping improve your self-esteem by creating a sense of achievement, and physically by lowering your blood pressure levels and releasing endorphins. You’ll feel more mentally prepared to take on your day, no matter what comes your way, after walking to work!

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5. Improves Mood

Walking, like all forms of exercise, promotes the body to release endorphins. Endorphins are happy chemicals that help to boost mood and create sense of relaxation. A free way to improve your mood by simply walking? Yes, we’ll take it!

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6. Supports Physical Wellbeing

Of course, walking also improves your physical wellbeing. Physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing are intrinsically linked - when you’re more physically active your likelihood of developing mental health illnesses reduces! Therefore, by supporting your physical health, you’ll feel better mentally too!

How Juno Can Support You To Walk To Work:

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Thinking about supporting your new walk to work habit with Juno? Well, good news, because we have you covered! Let’s take a look at the ways Juno can support you!

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Track Your Steps With An Apple Watch

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Intrigued to see how many steps you do on your way to work? Always wanted to monitor your health? Ready to get serious about your progress? Why not use your Juno Points to get an Apple Watch!

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Get Comfy In Fitness Gear With Wiggle

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Whether you’re looking for some new activewear to walk in or you’re in desperate need of a new water bottle, use your Juno Points to get all the fitness gear you could ever need with Wiggle!

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Walk Mindfully With Calm

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Why not put your headphones in and take your walk to a new level of mindfulness with stories, meditations, or self-improvement audios? Use your Juno Points to get a one-year subscription with Calm and make your mindful walk a reality!

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Get What You Need!

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Whether you’re wanting to treat yourself to a new pair of trainers, a high-vis coat, or a new water bottle, with our Juno Reimbursements feature, you can support your new habit of walking to work in any way that works for you! 

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Happy Walking!