Why Walking Is One of the Best Things You Can Do
Walking is one of the simplest ways to support your body and brain. Here’s why regular movement matters, from a neurological perspective.
What an amazing time of year it is to be outside, seeing all of nature and moving your body. I’m fresh back from a walk in Darley Park, and it felt like the perfect moment to write about some of the benefits of walking, from a neurological perspective.
Why walking matters
If you’re a patient of mine at Littleover, you may have heard me say something like “walking is the most important exercise you can do” or “keep your body moving”. While it may sound obvious and simple, there are good reasons why I recommend it.
Every time we move, take a step, dance or garden, we give the brain information about where the body is and how it is moving. I recommend walking because it is one of the easiest ways to do this.
With every step, your body sends signals to the brain through the joints, muscles, inner ear and eyes, helping it understand where you are in space and how you are moving.
A simple way to feel less stiff
Have you ever sat for a long period of time, then got up feeling stiff or sluggish? Your joints and muscles like regular movement, and a short walk often helps shake that off.
Walking and stress
One of the best things walking does is help with stress. Research shows regular walking can lower stress levels and improve mood. A Stanford University study found that people who went for a 90-minute walk in nature had less negative, repetitive thinking afterwards.
That is why, when you finish a walk, you can often feel more at ease, clearer in your mind and quietly accomplished.
How much should you walk?
To help keep stress in check, consistent walking is key. My advice is to get out daily for at least 30 minutes. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, and walking is an easy way to get there.
Reference: Bratman et al. (2015), Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
