The underrated habit that boosts digestion, improves mental clarity, and supports long-term health.

When you scroll through social media, it feels like every week there’s a new fitness trend you’re supposed to try — infrared saunas, greens powders, bootcamps, sculpt classes, hot Pilates, weighted treadmills, you name it. And while those workouts can absolutely be fun and effective, there’s one habit that consistently outperforms most of them:

Walking.

Yep — the thing we’ve been doing since we were toddlers is still one of the most powerful tools for improving your body, your mind, and your life. No equipment, no subscription, no trendy class required.

Today, I want to walk you (no pun intended) through the real science behind walking: NEAT, digestion, and mental clarity — and share how simple walking breaks changed my own workdays.

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⭐ The Power of NEAT: Why Walking Matters More Than You Think

One of the biggest reasons walking is so effective is because of something called NEAT, which stands for:

Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis.

NEAT includes all the movement you do outside of formal workouts:

• walking from your car
• pacing during a phone call
• cleaning your home
• running errands
• moving around your kitchen
• and of course… daily steps

Here’s the wild part:

👉 NEAT burns more calories per day than your workout does — sometimes even more than your workout + your metabolism combined.

So even if you’re lifting weights or doing HIIT a few times a week, what dramatically impacts your energy and long-term health is everything you do between workouts.

Walking increases your NEAT naturally, without feeling like a workout or requiring more stress from your already-full schedule.

My personal “aha” moment with NEAT:

When I started my full-time job, I noticed my steps dropped fast. Sitting at my desk all day made me feel stiff and foggy — and I couldn’t figure out why my energy felt so different, even though I was still working out 4–5 times a week.

Then during a WFH week in Florida, I made a point to walk every morning before the workday started. My energy was unreal.

That’s when NEAT finally clicked.

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⭐ Walking and Digestion: Why a 10-Minute Stroll Beats Most Supplements

If you’ve dealt with bloating, constipation, or digestion challenges (hi, IBS pals👋), you know how frustrating it is when your gut slows down — especially on stressful or sedentary days.

Walking is one of the simplest, most research-backed digestive tools we have.

Here’s what it does:

• Stimulates peristalsis, the gentle waves that move food through your intestines
• Reduces bloating by helping gas move through the GI tract
• Balances blood sugar, preventing energy crashes and cravings
• Lowers stress, which is a massive factor in digestive issues

You don’t need a long walk, either.
10–15 minutes after meals can support digestion more effectively than most “gut-health hacks” on the internet.

On chaotic workdays, especially ones filled with back-to-back meetings, I used to feel so bloated by 3 PM. My stomach would be tight, uncomfortable, and honestly…pretty annoying when you’re trying to get things done.

But when I have the time to do a quick walk after lunch I avoid the bloat and discomfort. It’s a small shift that makes a massive difference in my digestion.

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⭐ Walking for Mental Clarity: The “Brain Reset” You Didn’t Know You Needed

Walking increases blood flow not just to your body, but to your brain — which boosts:

• creativity
• focus
• stress reduction
• emotional regulation
• and problem-solving

There’s a reason so many CEOs, creators, and marketers swear by walking meetings.

When you’re moving, the brain fires differently — and ideas come more easily.

If you’re working on a task or project and feel like you’re hitting a wall, consider taking a quick walk. You’ll often find your answer upon returning from your walk or have more mental clarity to make your task feel more manageable.

Walking has become my reset button for mental clarity.

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🌿 Why Walking Will Always Be a Building Balance Essential

Walking checks every box:

✔ supports your metabolism
✔ boosts digestion (especially after meals)
✔ reduces stress and anxiety
✔ increases creativity and mental clarity
✔ helps regulate hormones
✔ improves sleep
✔ and enhances long-term health, mobility, and longevity

But the real reason I love walking — and why it fits so well with Building Balance — is because it makes your life easier, not busier.

It’s not another trend.
It’s not a performance metric.
It’s not something you fail at if you miss a day.

It’s just movement.
Simple. Natural. Balanced.

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🌞 How to Start Walking More (Even on the Busiest Days)

• Morning reset: 5–10 minutes before starting work
• 1–2 short walks during the day: especially after meals
• Walking meetings: take calls while strolling
• Evening decompression: a slow walk to unwind
• Weekend “long walks”: explore a new trail or neighborhood

You don’t need 10k steps. You just need more movement than yesterday.