Light Hearted

For me, nothing beats starting my day with a refreshing morning walk. As soon as I wake up, I put on my shoes and head out the door for a peaceful stroll around my neighborhood. It’s my daily rendezvous with the sunrise, a serene and invigorating ritual that kickstarts my day. While the weather was warm, I used to walk in the evenings too. But lately, with earlier sunsets and lower energy, I’ve contemplated switching solely to dawn strolls.

Which is better – morning or evening? I did some digging to find out.

According to a worldwide survey of over 18,000 walkers, 50% prefer hitting the pavement in the morning, while only 28% opt for the evening. The battle lines are drawn. Morning walkers cited having more energy and feeling mentally recharged as the main advantages. I wholeheartedly agree – my head feels clearer and I’m more alert after walking in the crisp morning air.

During the summer, I had the energy to walk both times of day, a double dose of nature’s finest. But now with cooler evenings setting in, I’m often too drained after a full day of work to lace up my shoes again. Mornings simply work better for establishing a routine that I can stick to consistently.

On the other hand, evenings may be less hurried, allowing you to fully relax and decompress after a long day. Temperatures also tend to be cooler at night, making summer evening walks more comfortable. But for me right now, mornings win out in terms of motivation and energy levels.

Beyond personal preference, there are some compelling health benefits to consider with morning walks:

• Early strolls may burn slightly more calories to kickstart your metabolism, turning you into a morning calorie-burning dynamo.
• Sunlight exposure supplies that essential vitamin D, which not only benefits your bones but also your mood, immunity, and sleep cycles. It’s like a natural mood-enhancer.
• You take advantage of the serene morning hours when the world is still waking up, offering mental clarity and fewer distractions. It’s your secret superpower time.

However, let’s not forget that fitting in any daily walking is ideal for health. Consistency is ultimately the most important factor. I aim for 30-60 minutes most mornings, even just a short lap, to start my day feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world.

In summary, listen to your body’s rhythms and walk when you can. For those on the fence, a mix could be ideal. Take advantage of cool mornings but also unwind on evening walks when you need more steps. Experts recommend 150-300 minutes of moderate activity like brisk walking spread out through the week.

So, what’s your favorite walking time – morning or evening? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep this friendly battle going! Just remember, the best time is when you actually get those steps in.