Health Advice Part Two

For anyone who’s been following me, you know I consistently take 6am walks. Along with the breathing exercise I’ve spoken about before, taking daily morning walks is one of the best ways to stay healthy and well rested.

First, let’s recap the breathing exercise. Fill your lungs up fully, let the air out completely, and hold for about five seconds at the top and the bottom. Do that a few times. I try to do it at least twice a day.

Click here to see my YouTube tutorial on the breathing exercise.

It’s a small thing, but it helps slow things down and reset.

Now, about the morning walks.

Get up at dawn and take a walk!

200 minutes a week is enough to be considered a regular walker, and people who walk consistently tend to live longer. I’ve found it helps with energy, focus, and just keeping things steady.

I try to go out early, close to dawn if I can.

Getting outside in the morning light helps set your internal clock. That early light tells your body when to wake up and when to wind down later, which makes it easier to get a full night of sleep. I try to get around eight hours when I can.

Walking before eating also makes a difference, because exercise is said to be twice as effective when done in a fasting state.

Click here to see my YouTube video about early morning walking.

If you’re looking for something simple to start with, try this. A few minutes of breathing. A walk in the morning. Do it most days and see what it does.

I’m aiming for at least six days a week.

— Mark Edgington

This article also appears on Medium where you can learn more about Mark Edgington’s ongoing work.