As we step into National Walking Month today, there’s no better time to talk about one of the simplest yet most underrated practices we have for improving our overall wellbeing: WALKING!
The humble walk is often overlooked but in our fast paced, high-pressured lives it’s difficult to ignore the profound impact it can have on the body, mind and soul.
Whether you’re walking the dog, strolling through a city, ambling around in your local park, or enjoying the feel of sand on a beach (yes please), walking offers healing and transformation on multiple levels, which I’d like to share with you.
Mental Clarity & Emotional Balance
Walking creates a natural pause; a break from our screens, our daily demands, and the constant stream of overstimulation. It gives the brain space to process, decompress, and reset. It boosts our mood and increases the production of endorphins and serotonin, our bodies natural mood lifters that can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Gentle movement activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping us shift from our fight or flight programming into our rest and digest mode.
Research also tells us that walking, especially in nature, enhances attention span and increases cognitive function making us more productive, creative and engaged in other areas of our lives.
Emotional Regulation & Nervous System Healing
From a trauma informed perspective, walking helps us to regulate the nervous system, especially if you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed or emotionally dysregulated. The rhythmic movement calms the amygdala, the brain’s alarm system which detects and activates the stress response in our bodies. The bilateral stimulation (movement from left to right), helps us integrate emotions, which promotes relaxation in the brain. It also helps release tension stored in the body, which is especially valuable for those healing from trauma or chronic stress.
Physical Vitality
The physical benefits of any type of movement are well documented and walking is accessible to nearly everyone, regardless of fitness level. It also supports cardiovascular health, improves immune function, increases energy levels, aids sleep and digestion. As this is also considered low impact it helps strengthen bones and joints. It’s important to note that it isn’t about distance or speed, it’s more in the being intentional and consistent.
Spiritual Connection & Mindfulness
Walking can be more than merely movement; it can be considered a spiritual practice and opportunity to tune into our inner selves. This helps create a space for mindfulness, whereby focus is centred on each step, breath or sound that surrounds you, truly bringing the attention into the present.
This National Walking Month, I invite you to reclaim walking as more than a way to get from A to B, but as a daily act of self-care and self-connection. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated:
– Walk for 10 minutes after meals to improve digestion and calm the mind.
– Take a walking break instead of a screen break during your workday.
– Walk with a friend and leave your phones behind, being present is powerful.
– Go to your favourite place and make it your reflection route.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, calm, energy, or inspiration, it’s waiting for you, just outside the door….
“In stillness, we hear ourselves. In movement, we find answers” – Eckhart Tolle
