Walking is one of the simplest and most strategic things we can do for ourselves and for our health. Several studies have highlighted the many advantages of a simple daily walk, a system we have even now, in times of covid, to keep fit, release tension but also learn new things and plan for the future.
It requires no preparation, no special equipment or great efforts and we can do it at any time of the day, when we have time and desire, alone or in company. We talk about walking, as a real wellness activity. (Read also: Why you should walk outdoors even in cold weather)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a single moderate to vigorous walk can improve sleep, thinking and learning, reducing symptoms of anxiety. Walking, in fact, among other things helps us to think, to clear our minds and why not also to have new insights.
E walking outdoors offers even more benefits. According to Dr Jo Barton, Senior Lecturer at the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences at the University of Essex, you can improve your self-esteem and mood with just five minutes of exposure to nature.
Walking in the green, in fact, helps us move from voluntary attention, which draws on our reserves of concentration and energy, to involuntary attention, which generally requires the help of a communication skills coach such as Professor Deborah Grayson Riegel .
The doctor in her article, published inHarvard Business Review (Harvard Business School editorial project), introduces us 5 good reasons to walk with a specific goal.
Walking to change perspective
These are difficult times. The global pandemic has taken so much away from us and we may often feel down. Walking could help us change our perspective. Looking at the sun, the trees or the water pushes us to consider the beauty of nature and to think about how much in the world there is still to explore. (Read also:A short walk in the green is enough to find your good mood)
Walk to keep in touch
You can walk alone but at this time it could be particularly useful to take a nice walk with friends. Walking outdoors is in fact a “covid-safe” activity, that is, it allows us to maintain connection with others, doing physical activity but without risk. So when you go for a walk, you can invite a friend, neighbor or family member to join you.
Walking to learn
Talking with others you exchange ideas and you can always learn something new, but even if you choose to walk alone it is important to carve out some time to discover interesting news. For example, you can walk listening to a podcast or an audiobook, or even recording a webinar that you may have signed up for without being able to participate. Alternatively, you can also take photos of trees, plants or animals that you do not know and then find out what it is about once you return home.
Walk for gratitude
As we walk we can also focus on the sense of gratitude for everything we have: first of all for the good fortune of being able to walk, but also to do it in a safe place and aware of the fact that afterwards a hot shower, a meal and a home await us. We can also think of the gift of being alive and healthy, at this time when many people in the world are sick and suffering.
Walk for productivity
While we walk we can also be productive, taking advantage of it for example to make business calls, or set up ideas for a brainstorming or even record on the phone some new insights or proposals for articles, etc. Also because in recent days a research has highlighted how walking every day stimulates creativity (Walking every day has a scientifically proven side effect that you don’t expect)
Furthermore, nothing prevents us from discovering new goals and objectives in our walks.
Source: Harvard Business Review
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The article incorporates published studies and recommendations from international institutions and / or experts. We make no claims in the medical-scientific field and we report the facts as they are. The sources are indicated at the end of each article
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