5 Benefits of Walking

Did you know there is a National Walking Month? These days, there is a month or day of acknowledgement for almost everything. Even though it is being recognized in May, the benefits of walking can be celebrated any time.

Walking is a way to experience gentle movement, connect with nature, connect with others and move emotions. And, you don’t have to get outdoors to walk, though if you do, you may be pleasantly surprised.

There are many reasons that walking can help you to improve your mental health without overdoing physical activity.

Here are 5 benefits of walking:

Walking is a gentle form of movement.

You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to enjoy the gentle movement of walking. Brisk walking or speed walking may provide an additional health benefit.

Read More: “The Benefits Of Gentle Movement”

However, it is truly an activity that you can start wherever you are and go from there.

Walking daily is an inexpensive activity, and Denver has plenty of paths to walk at any time, whether the weather is cooperating or not.

You do not have to get outside for regular walking. Sometimes, walking around your house can be enough movement for you.

You can be proud of yourself for a couple of steps or 10,000 steps. It is about the action, not the accomplishment.

Walking, as a metaphor, can help with perspective.

Walking can put things into perspective for you and promote healthy living at the same time. You won’t be able to walk more than one step at a time, which can be a helpful reminder in life too.

When you slow down, and take a pause with one step at a time, you can often speed things up in your daily routine by staying on track and reducing the feeling of overwhelm.

Walking allows you the opportunity to reflect on how to be mindful with each step you take. You are putting one foot in front of the other to gain traction.

There is a reason that walking is full of life metaphors and pausing for reflection can be helpful with mental health.

Walking is a great way to soak in the benefits of nature.

Even though it is not necessary to go outside with walking, it can be a means to beautiful experience in nature.

Read More: “Explore 5 Benefits of Nature This Earth Day”

Whether you are walking in a park,  going to the Denver Botanic Gardens, or on a mountain hike, beauty is abound in Colorado.

Connect with nature while you walk by noticing what you see, hear, smell, and feel (grass under your bare feet, the trunk of a tree).

This mindful way of walking is great for calming your nervous system, energizing your soul, and giving you perspective.

Nature is awe inspiring and allows you to realize how small you are compared to your surroundings. It can help you to right-size your problems and help you get to solutions more quickly.

Walking supports your physical health.

Walking not only helps support your mental health but also your physical health. A daily walk can help you to improve your overall health.

Spending time with gentle movement encourages more movement and momentum.

When you take short or long walks daily or a few times a week, you are able to build your physical capacity.

Even when you partake in short walks, you are helping yourself with moving energy through your body. You don’t have to walk a marathon to experience the benefits of movement.

Small, consistent actions can help you to improve and maintain your health.

Walking with others builds connection.

When you walk with others, you have the opportunity to build connection through time, conversation, and enjoying an experience together.

Read More: “Things To Do In Denver To Help Shift Your Mood”

Walking in a park can be as helpful as a delicious dinner. You are able to chat freely and still engage in a side-by-side activity.

Even when you are struggling to connect, a walk can bring new ideas and perspectives to the table.

Emotions are energy in motion, and when you put your body in motion, you have the opportunity to connect more deeply with your friends and loved ones.

There are many benefits to walking, and national walking month is one more reason to celebrate the beauty of Colorado, your friendships, and your health.

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Written by: Randi Thackeray, MA
Clinically Reviewed and Edited by: Julie Reichenberger, MA, LPC, ACS, ACC