The many benefits of walking
Somedays I feel a pressing need to just get up and go for a walk outside. I don’t exactly live in close proximity to a park where I cannot only walk, but also be in nature. Despite looking at beautiful trees outside my window, I live in an urban jungle and so I have to drive a few miles to reach a green area. Nevertheless, it’s worth the effort.
When I have a pressing need to be outdoors, it is usually not only because I need a break from my laptop, which I spend way too much time on, but also because I need to get my body moving and my mind to take a break from whatever I was working on. So a few days ago I made a list of all hikes and trails near me where I can go not just once in a while or on weekends, but everyday. I messaged a friend and transformed a coffee date into a walking date; I suddenly felt so much better and I came home recharged and relaxed.
No doubts there are many benefits to walking. Studies have shown that just 11 minutes of what they call “brisk” walking, so a more fast paced walking, is incredibly beneficial for the cardiovascular system and our mind. In fact, walking allows the blood to flow rapidly to the brain hence improving cognitive functions and memory.
Walking barefoot on the ground, known as “earthing”, can make you feel calm.
It is also a good way to balance the brain when we go through a series of incessant or ruminative thoughts. Many times I, but I suppose I am not the only one, get stuck with repetitive and unproductive thoughts which distract me from whatever I am supposed to do. Walking is a great way to break that cycle and lift our mood when we are feeling blue or anxious, and it can also improve sleep quality. You are almost guaranteed to sleep well if you are going for a walk outdoors.
And if you are lucky enough to live close to a forest, take advantage of that. Walking in nature, possibly even barefoot, known as “earthing” or “grounding”, can be incredibly helpful to lower stress and relieve you from a burnout. The benefit is such that some prefer to do their therapy session outdoors while walking rather than in an office: “walk and talk”. Of course it is not for everyone, but it is worth considering.
Whatever the case is for you, a simple walk can drastically change your mood. Especially, if it is a beautiful day, step outside and see how it makes you feel.
Don’t forget to take with you a water bottle with perhaps a sprinkle of all organic electrolytes.
Try it and let us know your thoughts!
