Absolutely love this article!!!!! I changed my life by walking then added dancing for fitness, then gym and pool and now joined gym classes. I lost weight from 118 to 97.8 so far and keep going towards healthy BMI. Walking is a miracle medicine many of us can afford, whether it is a low or high dose it will always be beneficial giving these cells oxygen, supporting heart, supporting muscles. Mentally it does wonders, my work circumstances haven't changed but I am so much more optimistic, take on opportunities and put myself in uncomfortable situations knowing something will be good for me, I am braver and happier. I am more in control of building my own destiny. Walk as if your best quality, happy life dependent on it because it does. <3
I discovered the joy and healing of walking in nature almost 20 years ago, in the aftermath of my brother’s death. It has been a constant practice, joy and source of comfort for me ever since.
According to my garmin, I average just over 15k steps a day, so I'm definitely one of those pushing the average up. But for the longest time, those steps were taken with constant distraction, with headphones blocking the world out with music, and my phone providing endless ways for me to be absent from my body as it walked.
Since ditching the headphones, my walks have become more meaningful as I engage deeper with the world around me, enjoying the music that nature provides.
Walking is such a simple joy, but one that can be so powerful and profound
Indeed! It's something that used to cause me some anxiety, if I found myself out alone without my headphones. Now I do occasionally use them, but it's an intentional desire to listen to an audiobook or podcast I am particularly absorbed, rather than a perceived need to hide from the world
Can't agree more!! It's easy to forget that walking is a great cardio exerecise which is essentially free of risk of injury. I am currently working through a lower back injury, and walking has been a saving grace. I take very slow walks in which I focus on keeping my core tight and a very upright posture - it's amazing for my back! Not to mention that mental health benefits....
I aim for 9K to 10K steps per day. Since I've been retired I find it easier to reach that goal. I try to get up and walk 5 to 10 minutes every waking hour. It keeps my joints and back from seizing up and causing pain. I'm sure it helps my heart and brain too. I firmly believe in what you say here. Thanks!
How cool -- Substack just showed me your article in my feed -- I also wrote about walking yesterday! We were on the same brainwavelength. 😅 These stats are plenty of encouragement, but to me the big takeaway is that this one, easy change in our day can improve our quality of life so much.
I am reading this as I eat my high protein breakfast after an 8 mile run, up and down green hills, together with running friends. Moving + nature + friends: it doesn’t get better than that!
I am fit, have an excellent HRV, VO2Max and grip strength for my age. But my agerage number of daily steps is around 2,000-3,000. However, I ride. I ride a lot. I ride a Peloton as well as riding outdoors with my husband. But that doesn't seem to be taken into account with this type of research you are referring to. I would like to know whether riding gives the same benefits as walking.
And it costs absolutely nothing!
Absolutely love this article!!!!! I changed my life by walking then added dancing for fitness, then gym and pool and now joined gym classes. I lost weight from 118 to 97.8 so far and keep going towards healthy BMI. Walking is a miracle medicine many of us can afford, whether it is a low or high dose it will always be beneficial giving these cells oxygen, supporting heart, supporting muscles. Mentally it does wonders, my work circumstances haven't changed but I am so much more optimistic, take on opportunities and put myself in uncomfortable situations knowing something will be good for me, I am braver and happier. I am more in control of building my own destiny. Walk as if your best quality, happy life dependent on it because it does. <3
Good for life span. Health span and soul span. Well done.
I discovered the joy and healing of walking in nature almost 20 years ago, in the aftermath of my brother’s death. It has been a constant practice, joy and source of comfort for me ever since.
According to my garmin, I average just over 15k steps a day, so I'm definitely one of those pushing the average up. But for the longest time, those steps were taken with constant distraction, with headphones blocking the world out with music, and my phone providing endless ways for me to be absent from my body as it walked.
Since ditching the headphones, my walks have become more meaningful as I engage deeper with the world around me, enjoying the music that nature provides.
Walking is such a simple joy, but one that can be so powerful and profound
headphones help one to avoid oneself and others . it takes courage to go for a walk with yourself
Indeed! It's something that used to cause me some anxiety, if I found myself out alone without my headphones. Now I do occasionally use them, but it's an intentional desire to listen to an audiobook or podcast I am particularly absorbed, rather than a perceived need to hide from the world
Well said. Sorry to hear about your brother’s passing. Walking can be very meditative.
Thank you. It really can. It's been such a gift and source of so much healing for me
Can't agree more!! It's easy to forget that walking is a great cardio exerecise which is essentially free of risk of injury. I am currently working through a lower back injury, and walking has been a saving grace. I take very slow walks in which I focus on keeping my core tight and a very upright posture - it's amazing for my back! Not to mention that mental health benefits....
Love that German word... a bit like the Japanese 'forest bathing'. Good for the soul as well as the heart.
I aim for 9K to 10K steps per day. Since I've been retired I find it easier to reach that goal. I try to get up and walk 5 to 10 minutes every waking hour. It keeps my joints and back from seizing up and causing pain. I'm sure it helps my heart and brain too. I firmly believe in what you say here. Thanks!
I agree completely - "a walk is good for you, and a walk in nature is even better for your soul." - such a simple act holds immense power.
How cool -- Substack just showed me your article in my feed -- I also wrote about walking yesterday! We were on the same brainwavelength. 😅 These stats are plenty of encouragement, but to me the big takeaway is that this one, easy change in our day can improve our quality of life so much.
Such an important message. Thanks Doc!
I am reading this as I eat my high protein breakfast after an 8 mile run, up and down green hills, together with running friends. Moving + nature + friends: it doesn’t get better than that!
A perfect day.
I am fit, have an excellent HRV, VO2Max and grip strength for my age. But my agerage number of daily steps is around 2,000-3,000. However, I ride. I ride a lot. I ride a Peloton as well as riding outdoors with my husband. But that doesn't seem to be taken into account with this type of research you are referring to. I would like to know whether riding gives the same benefits as walking.
Think of steps as a proxy for movement. I think you’ve got the movement part down.
Love your writing! So Dr Paddy, going off on a tangent, what are your favorite hiking trails in Ireland?
Thanks for the reminder!