3rd Happy Habit - Exercise

Ever wondered what happens to our mind and body when we start walking?

Here's a minute-by-minute rundown of the amazing chain reaction walking and exercise has upon our body, it's truly amazing!

Minutes 1 to 5
Our first few steps trigger the release of energy-producing chemicals in our cells to fuel our walk. Our heart rate revs-up from about 70 to 100 beats per minute (bpm), boosting blood-flow and warming muscles.
Any stiffness subsides as joints release lubricating fluid to help us move more easily. As we get moving, our body burns 5 calories per minute, compared with only 1 per minute at rest. Our body needs more fuel and starts pulling from its carbohydrates and fat stores.

Minutes 6 to 10
Heartbeat increases from 100 to about 140 bpm, and we are burning up to 6 calories a minute as we pick up the pace. A slight rise in blood pressure is countered by the release of chemicals that expand blood vessels, bringing more blood and oxygen to working muscles.
Minutes 11 to 20...
Minutes 21 to 45...
Minutes 46 to 60...
Read entire article to know what happens in our body upto 60 minutes of walking.. http://twinklet108.blogspot.in/2015/11/what-happens-when-we-start-walking.html

Whats intresting is what happens in our brain at the same time...
If we start walking, our brain recognizes this as a moment of stress. As our heart pressure increases, the brain thinks we are either fighting the enemy or fleeing from it. To protect self and brain from stress, we release a protein called BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). This BDNF has a protective and also reparative element to our memory neurons and acts as a reset switch. At the same time, endorphins, another chemical to fight stress, is released in our brain. Our endorphins tend to minimize the discomfort of exercise, block the feeling of pain and are even associated with a feeling of euphoria. Thus even a small walk helps us feel at ease, clear out things and eventually make us feel happy.

All this happens without a single conscious thought from us. Amazing!!!