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If you feel like it’s time to switch up your home-working routine, then let us show you 5 reasons why a lunchtime walk could lead to a healthier lifestyle.

1. It’s accessible

Walking is a great way to strengthen the muscles in your legs and your core while putting little pressure on your joints. Plus, you don't need any fancy equipment to go for a walk, just a pair of comfortable shoes and perhaps a coat.

If you’re keen to set realistic fitness goals, try challenging yourself to walk once a day at your lunch break, even if it’s just for 20 minutes. This may not seem like much, but these small changes to improve health add up, and you’ll soon reap the rewards.

2. Unlimited health benefits

If you’ve ever wondered how to take care of yourself or how to have more energy, then look no further. Improved cardiac health, stronger bones and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease are just some of the benefits linked to walking.

According to researchersLink opens in a new window at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, women who walk 30 minutes a day could reduce their risk of stroke by 20%, and by 40% when they stepped up the pace.

A study from the University of Virginia Health System in CharlottesvilleLink opens in a new window also found that men between the ages of 71 and 93 who walked more than a quarter of a mile per day had half the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, than those who walked less.

3. Instant mood-booster

A good walk can do wonders for your mental wellbeing as stepping outside for a walk can instantly improve your mood, self-perception and self-esteem.

A lunchtime walk can provide a much-needed break from a busy morning, and it also helps to add some structure to your day too. Walking is a great alternative to the sometimes-daunting HIIT session you might have promised yourself you’d do later.

Plus, if you deal with stress or anxiety, then trying to incorporate regular walks into your routine could be helpful. As small daily fitness goals are far less overwhelming, and can also give you a sense of accomplishment.

4. Rediscover your local nature spots

If the health benefits didn’t convince you to give walking a go, then perhaps the prospect of discovering, or even rediscovering, local beauty spots may be just the thing to convince you to make a change.

Walking takes you places. Whether you live in a town or the countryside, there’s always a bit of green nearby, from local parks to nature reserves.

Making positive changes in life can be easy if you choose an activity you’re passionate about. If you're used to associating physical exercise with chores, then try looking at it from a different perspective.

If you can find something that moves you, such as a beautiful landscape or tucked-away nature spots which you can only reach by walking, then it’ll help motivate you to get outside.

5. Get some well-deserved ‘me-time’

Your walk is your own time. Perhaps your favourite artist has released an album, but you haven’t had a chance to listen to it? You could listen to it on your next walk.

Just need to clear your head? Walk to your nearest quiet spot and allow yourself to practice mindfulness, taking in all the sounds and sights around you.

Brainstorming session coming up at work? Perfect – sometimes a quick walk is all you need to reset and come back with fresh ideas.

Developing healthy lifestyle habits starts with you, and you deserve some ‘me-time’. Walking can give you just that.

If you feel ready to take your walking to the next level, you could also try our daily steps challenge or read our top tips to get into running.

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Cheryl Culliford-Whyte Content Contributor, Warwick Sport

Cheryl has interests in all kinds of fitness, keeping healthy and looking after your wellbeing. She enjoys hiking, lifting and healthy baking.

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