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Five benefits of walking for your wellbeing
Five benefits of walking for your wellbeing
Five benefits of walking for your wellbeing
When was the last time you took a walk, ? Is walking part of your routine?Well, by the end of this letter I hope I can motivate you to go on that walk more often by sharing the biggest benefits of walking according to research.I listened to
where she had Neuroscientist Dr. Shane O'Mara as a guest who has written a best-selling book on the science of walking.Being from Finland, taking walks is part of our daily lives. It is how we connect as a family and part of our wellbeing routine. So, walks have always been a natural go-to for me as a regular activity.There are people who struggle with exercise routines but the beauty of walking is that it can feel a bit easier to do but can have as major impact on your health and wellbeing. The key thing is that we must be active, or in my words, we got to keep moving.Why? Because movement will keep you healthier and help avoid development of illnesses as you get older. Movement optimises your energy and thus can improve your mood and psychological health. Movement boosts resilience and prevents feelings of stuckness.Movement is medicine and greatest healer. Your body can do miracles through movement.So, what are the benefits of walking for your health and wellbeing exactly?How can you walk the best way for your wellbeing?How much do you need to do it?I'll give you these highlights I learned in this podcast, and
5 BENEFITS OF TAKING A WALK1. Improves your healthAs I already mentioned, according to Dr.O'mara research proves the ones that are inactive and move less are more prone to develop health issues later in life. The ones that move more increase their chances of living healthier longer.2. Boosts your creativity and problem solvingPeople who take breaks to walk boost their creativity and also can solve problems more effectively. Moving your body gets the creative and solutions brain moving. I am sure you can think of a time when you were stuck, but then left your desk and the problem, went on a walk and came back and solved it?3. Boosts your mood and mental healthDr. O'Mara also referred to research that people who move more and walk more are less likely to develop psychological disorders and have better mental health. People who walked less were more prone to low mood and depressive mood disorder.4. Prevents memory loss and other cognitive declineWhen we move, our brain is in action. When we are still, our brain is less active. As simple of a movement as walk your brain has to do a lot of unconscious work to make it happen that your body does all the movement it takes to walk.Walking helps train your brain and keeping it strong. Just like any other movement does - movement where you have to really think and coordinate your movement is excellent, but walking has similar impact.If you don't move, your brain does not move either and you are more likely to develop cognitive decline and memory loss down the line. Move your body. Move your brain. 5. Walking with others boosts connectednessThe previous points have had everything to do with your connection to your health. This point highglights the connection with others.Taking a walk with others boosts the social connectedness. It is one of the most profound movements to do together. You walk and you are present. I cannot vouch for this enough - my walks with my friends and family are my favorite thing and they warm my heart and fulfill it every time.The most simple way to connect and nourish your relationships. Walk together. Walking alone is good for you but walking together is even better.So, how shall you go about walking now to optimise these benefits?Where you walk matters. Walking next to a loud street or highway with a lot of traffic can be stressful. Walk somewhere quiet, ideally with some greenery or water to get optimal benefits. According to, Dr. O'Mara morning time is great for walks to awaken your Circadian rhythm, but also walk in the evening is great as it can help if you struggle to get to sleep or if you struggle with insomnia.How much must you walk per day?Dr. O'Mara stated the place to start is to get your phone or smart watch and see how many steps you walk per day on average - then add 5000 steps more to that and that is your ideal number. The ideal medium is to have over 10K steps.Now some of you might be, that is A LOT. How will I get that every day?Dr. O'Mara got tips for that too.
Commuting by train? Get off one stop early and you easily add 2K steps per day minimum.
Park your car farther away from the office so you get more steps.
Take short walking breaks throughout the day - even walking to a bathroom in another floor means more steps!
Walk to a lunch spot that is farther away from your workplace or home
Walk around every time you are on the phone
Gather people together and suggest you can go on walks together at lunch time or on weekends!
So, there you go. Five benefits of walking and some tips of how you can start tapping into the power of walking to help you connect with yourself and others and optimise your wellbeing more for the long run.Did I get you motivated to go on that walk now, ? Let me know and email me at [email protected] what you took away from this letter. I love to hear your thoughts.Speaking of walks, for this month's meetup, I am arranging something different and we are going to Epping Forest for a walk to savour the healing powers of nature and walking - now we know there are lots of benefits, so I am even more excited now to go!
I am sending you lots of love and light. Take care of yourself - and happy walking! ;)Heartfully,Essi
Could you use a little escape from the city buzz and forest bathe and walk amongst lovely group of people?
Are you wanting to meet some new people and maybe make some new friends?
Join us to walk for your wellbeing and wholesomely connect with other people to fulfill our souls with togetherness.
Research proves that walking together socially boosts our wellbeing and connection and sense of belonging.
So, Connected You tribe will gather to do a 5K (3mile) walk together on a Saturday afternoon on Aug. 19th. The walk itself should not take more than an hour and it will be an easy route so anyone can join.
WHERE AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Location: Chingford Train Station entrance - and we will walk togther to the Epping Forest from there.
Day: Saturday Aug 19th
Time: 12pm-15:30pm
12pm - We shall meet outside Chingford station and head to the forest together.We will walk into the forest past Connaught Water to savour the water element and reach Grimston's Oak where we will stop to have a circle discussion, have snacks and meditate together under this beautiful tree. Maybe do some tree hugging too, cause why not? ;)I'd love to see you there.
Question for connection
What do I need to do less of and what do I need to more of?I am focusing on balance at the moment and reflecting on what we need more of and what less in our lives is a great way to find answers toward more balance and alignment.
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