Feeling good after a walk is no coincidence!
You’ve just been for a walk; how do you feel?
Tired? Refreshed? Accomplished? Happy? Calm?
Maybe all of the above? We’ve asked a lot of people this question, and many of our walkers tell us the same thing ... after a walk they feel great! Feeling good after a walk is not a coincidence. It’s the result of all the things that happen to your body when you exercise.
So, what is it that makes you feel good after a walk?
Walking releases happy hormones!
As we walk our body releases endorphins – those magical chemicals that trigger positive feelings and reduce how much pain we feel [1]. Endorphins are like a reward for moving, and this natural high can elevate our mood, leaving us with an unmistakable feeling of contentment. So, the next time you need a mood lift, let the joy of walking envelop you.
Walking helps you stress less
In today's fast-paced world, stress is an unwelcome companion for many. However, a brisk walk can act as a powerful stressbuster. This is due to walking-related changes in the stress hormone cortisol.
After only 4 days of walking, cortisol levels in the participants in one study halved [2]!
As your feet rhythmically touch the ground, let your mind begin to clear. Taking in the serene environment, the gentle breeze, and the rhythmic motion can create a harmonious symphony that can help to calm your nerves.
With each step, you leave stress behind, making space for tranquility to enter. It’s like a mini-vacation for your mind, offering a much-needed respite from the daily grind.
Find that energy!
Contrary to common belief, using energy by walking doesn’t deplete your vitality; it enhances it! It might be hard at first – especially if you haven’t done it before – but regular walking will increase your fitness. It’s like recharging your internal batteries; the more you walk, the more energised you feel. So, when the afternoon slump hits, consider a brisk walk instead of that extra cup of coffee. Your body will thank you with a surge of newfound energy.
And what about your heart?
In addition to the mood-enhancing endorphin release, and reduction in cortisol, you can feel good knowing that you are doing a good thing for your heart!
Regular walking can boost your cardiovascular fitness [3], reduce resting blood pressure and improve circulation. Regular walking has even been shown to reduce your risk of developing heart disease [4].
In essence, walking is more than just a physical activity; it's a holistic remedy for our modern, hectic lives. It’s a reminder that feeling good, reducing stress, and improving energy are not luxuries but essential components of a healthy, balanced life.
So, lace up those shoes, step out into the world, and let the transformative power of walking guide you towards a healthier, more energised you!
References
- Chaudhry SR, Gossman W. Biochemistry, Endorphin. [Updated 2023 Apr 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470306/
- de Souza, H.S., Jardim, T.V., Barroso, W.K.S. et al. Hormonal assessment of participants in a long distance walk. Diabetol Metab Syndr 11, 19 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-019-0414-1
- Murphy, M. H., Nevill, A. M., Murtagh, E. M., & Holder, R. L. (2007). The effect of walking on fitness, fatness and resting blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomised, controlled trials. Preventive medicine, 44(5), 377–385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2006.12.008
- Zheng, H., Orsini, N., Amin, J. et al. Quantifying the dose-response of walking in reducing coronary heart disease risk: meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol 24, 181–192 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-009-9328-9
