THE MANY BENEFITS OF WALKING

There are so many reasons to love walking.  Our lives are so busy we often forget the benefits of taking a bit of time out to slow down and walk instead of jumping in a car to get from A to B as quickly as possible. Walking has such positive mental and physical health benefits it’s great to be reminded to factor some walking into your day, as often as possible.  

If you can get out of an urban space and walk in nature even better, there are even more mood boosting benefits.    If your only option is to walk in urban space then try looking up.  It sounds weird, I know, but looking up when out and about in a city gives you a different perspective.  You’re no longer soaking up the busy streets, noisy traffic and commuters, you’re looking up at the sky and seeing space.  Try it yourself, you’ll be surprised how it changes your perspective. 

My top reasons for making walking an integral part of your day are: 

  •  It’s free and easy to do, no money, equipment or special skills required.

  •  If you lead a sedentary life it’s a great first step to getting moving in an achievable and consistent way.  Task yourself with nothing more than getting in a short daily walk to start being more active.  

  •  It’s an easy way of increasing your ADL (activity of daily living) and the more active we are every day, the better, on many health levels.  

  • A nature walk reduces stress, enhances mood and replenishes mental fatigue, which makes it a great response to mid-afternoon slump in productivity. 

 There are many studies reinforcing the many health benefits of walking, particularly in nature.  I love this quote, from a research study* into walking in green spaces:

“Walking, in particular, can serve many purposes including exercise, recreation, travel, companionship, relaxation and restoration. However, to encourage the nation to walk more, these benefits need to be promoted along with the idea that health improving exercise does not solely equate to gym activities or vigorous exercise. Walking in greenspaces also seems to be a more sustainable option, as the primary reward is enhanced emotional well-being through both exposure to nature and participation in exercise.“

Look at your day ahead, where could you squeeze in ten minutes walking? If you make it a priority and set yourself a realistic goal (just 15 minutes round the block) you will find the time and reap the mental and physical benefits.  

You don’t need to make massive changes or commitments to get started.  Small changes, made consistently and sustainably, lead to positive long term changes to your health. 

Here are just a few thoughts on how you might be able to increase your steps. 

  • Meet up for a walk rather than a coffee – whether it’s work or social, tie in your meeting with a walk 

  • If you have a phone call you need to make – pick up your phone and take the call outside for a walk 

  • Set an alarm on your phone for every 30 minutes – when it pings take a walk up and down the stairs

  • If you have a step counter – set yourself some little challenges to increase the amount you walk, by a small percentage each week. 

  • Listen to a podcast – think you can’t justify taking the time out of work for walk? Listen to a work-related podcast so you feel you are achieving something work related at the same time. 

*The health benefits of walking in greenspaces of high natural heritage

J. Barton,R Hine, & J Pretty – Oct 2009

Carole Dowling