The Benefits of Walking on Mental Health

The Benefits of Walking on Mental Health

I have enjoyed walking for as long as I can remember – going for longer walks and walking to wherever I was going to if the weather and timescale allowed. I never really thought about how much walking meant to me until the pandemic hit and the daily outings were limited to just an hour if at all. Since life got back to sort of normal, I have become more intentional about walking more on a daily basis as the benefits of walking on mental health have become very clear for me.

• Walking is Self-Care

Self-care is hugely important for your mental health and walking is one of my main ways of taking some time just for me. Sure, we go on family walks and hikes too but that’s usually limited to once or twice a week at the most during a regular working/term time week. All the other times that I walk during the week are for me. I go on my own and listen to an audiobook that I enjoy which is amazing for me as I get to combine two of my favourite things. Or I go with a friend and get to enjoy talking to her. Either way, I make time to do it for myself and that is important. Even if it’s raining or I’m really tired, I usually get out at least once a day for a little bit. When I feel more energised, I go further, naturally, but even a short half an hour walk in the rain at night does wonders for my mental well-being.

• Walking Lets Me Connect with Nature

As I go on my walks, it’s a great opportunity to connect with nature which is great for our mental health too. I enjoy the fresh air, the beautiful and varied scenery, the changing weather and the different seasons. I look at the wildlife around me and take it all in. After a short stroll or longer walk, I return home feeling refreshed and ready to get on with the things I need to get done that day. If I walk in the evening, it usually means that I feel more up for staying up for a little bit longer than usual and then sleep better when I do go to bed.

• Walking is Exercise

Looking after your physical health is part of looking after your mental health as well. If we don’t feel well physically, it is hard to feel well mentally. I am not a sporty person at all and I don’t enjoy most types of exercise but walking is an exception for me. I love walking and can happily walk for hours and hours and it counts as exercise! Without feeling like exercise for me – no sweating! This is a win for me as it means I am getting daily exercise without having to do things that I don’t want to do. Swimming is the only other exercise that I can think of that I don’t mind doing but walking is better and completely free too.

Conclusion

The benefits of walking on mental health are so important to me. I can really feel the benefits when I’m out walking and on the days when I can’t get out as much I would like, I really miss it and crave going for a walk. Walking has become a big part of who I am, my self-care and my life and something I intend to keep doing.