by Lee Irving, Holistic Lifestyle Coach and director at Wellbeing by See Events
When did you last take a walk for no other reason than for the good of your wellbeing?
What I mean is not just a task orientated walk to get something done, like walking the dog or because you didn’t have the car, or you needed to get the numbers up on your pedometer, but just because you enjoy it and it makes you feel good. Hopefully this article will help you appreciate the latter as opposed to the former. You see, as human beings we are designed to walk, and walking has many health benefits, many more than simply exercise.
Let’s look at walking compared to running as an example. You might think ‘running is going to get you to where you want to be faster’, or ‘running is better for you’. The first may be true and the second might be in some cases, but not always.
Let’s consider it from the point of view of stress. Stress effects an awful lot of people these days and I am always looking at ways that I can help people reduce stress in their lives. I know that whenever I run, especially if I sprint, I am activating the sympathetic arm of my autonomic nervous system; often referred to as the ‘fight or flight response’. This is because the primitive part of my brain that is responsible for turning on a stress response like this is connected to my body and reacts to any sudden exertion as a physical response to a threat and sets off the danger alarm. It sounds very much like an overreaction and in most cases it is, but, as I said, this is a very primitive system designed to keep us alive hundreds of thousands of years ago when there really were frequent life or death situations and it is still very much in charge today.
When I walk that part of my brain is getting the message that all is well, there are no imminent threats and life is good. When this happens my autonomic nervous system is in the parasympathetic branch or ‘rest and digest’, instead of tension I feel calm, I am more able to think clearly, my heartrate and blood pressure drop, I am more able to think creatively and be more nurturing towards myself and others, my awareness is opened up to notice and take in more information, I am responsive rather than reactive. Needless to say, when stressed I can expect the opposite of these positive states of being.
Many things in modern life can throw us into a stress state; work load, poor relationships, meetings, presentations, being late, the list goes on. So, whatever the cause of your stress, a walk in nature is a remarkable cure not just because of the slow pace but also because the sounds in nature resonate with our own energy signature at a cellular level. Trees and shrubs release airborne chemicals called phytoncides as a way of communicating to each other which are also proven to reduce stress levels in humans and increase white blood cell counts. Noticing the sights, sounds, smells and textures of nature brings our attention into the present moment which reduces mental stress like anxiety because when we are in the moment we cannot think about our problems, this is mindfulness. So why not get yourself into nature for a quick walk the next time you are feeling a little stressed.
Some tips for a nature walk –
· Go slowly – The mind and body are connected so when the mind starts racing the body will too. Check on your pace and slow it down if necessary.
· Use your senses to promote mindfulness – What can you see, hear, smell, feel or even taste.
· Hug a tree (or at least place the palms of your hands on one) – The tree will ground you. A bit like an electrical appliance needs earthing so do we as we are electrochemical machines.
· Talk to passers-by – We are social beings and working from home can have a negative effect on our social skills and needs.
· Make a quick nature walk a reward for completing tasks – Breaking up daily tasks can make them seem less overwhelming as they appear as a whole.
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