Walk your Self
Distractions, noise, tasks and deadlines, appointments, reminders – have a cup of tea or better still take yourself for a walk.  

Walking not only gets the legs moving, there are many other benefits. Sometimes for me it is the best way to get some fresh energy, clear my thoughts, get me out of myself or gain a new perspective on a problem or issue I am facing. The benefits are numerous. What do you get out of going for a walk?

Physical Benefits: Blood Circulation and Exercise
Walking improves blood circulation, gets you to use those big muscles in your legs and butt and gets your heart to pump a bit faster for the right reasons. Your legs weren’t made to be silent under the weight of your laptop or out of sight under your desk. 
As your circulatory system speeds up, your brain is going to reap some of the benefits of a higher rate of oxygen delivery and biochemical byproduct removal.  Walking is a natural brain booster, natural wings for sharper cognitive function and improved mental acuity.

Walking provides a low-impact workout for your body, it helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens muscles, and keeps joints supple. These physical benefits contribute to an overall sense of well-being which in turn improves the state of your mental health.

Nature – Good for the Senses
Walking outside, especially in nature or in the park or on the beach leads to an additional level of sensory experiences. Sounds, shapes, and scents are different in nature. The smell of the trees or undergrowth, especially after a summer’s rain, the rustling of leaves or the whistling of the wind through the trees, a trickling stream up ahead. 

Shapes in nature provide our minds an escape from the four walls we find ourselves in at home or at work. Squares, rectangles, boxes, rooms, screens, tables, counters – architecture can have such a powerful impact on our mental state, our ability to think and be creative. Nature has its own elegant architecture. Maths and form is hidden in it everywhere, jumbled up into a myriad of life forms living on almost every rugged surface of the planet. Such a variety and depth in spatial awareness compared to a laptop screen.

Walking allows you to disconnect from the noise of daily life and lets your mind go-a-wandering

Physiological and Psychological Benefits
Walking reduces stress levels by the production of stress hormones like cortisol while simultaneously releasing feel-good endorphins. Regular doses of your own hormones, sounds like a good way to help keep  a positive outlook on life.
Psychologically, walking provides a space for reflection and introspection. It allows you to disconnect from the noise of daily life and lets your mind go-a-wandering. It can give you a sense of space, a connection to nature, thoughts can come and go more freely, you feel less burdened.

Problem Solving and Creative Thinking
Next time you have a problem or a personal issue that you can’t get your head around, see if a walk taps your creative genius or at least gives you a slightly different perspective on the problem.

Walking can induce a flow state, where your thoughts become more fluid and ideas flow effortlessly. This enhanced mental state is conducive to creativity and problem-solving. The great thing about walking in nature is you are less likely to be interrupted when you enter a flow state and the benefits of walking have put you into a pleasant physical and emotional state – perfect!

Conclusion
Walking isn’t just about moving from point A to point B. It’s a holistic experience that nourishes your body and refreshes your mind. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or stuck in a mental rut, consider taking a leisurely walk, preferably in nature. You’ll be amazed at the mental clarity, creativity, and well-being it can bring. Walk your Self.

Thanks for reading,
Charles Hart