In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives in this era, we have almost forgotten what it feels like to have a clear mind, free of stress and worries. Everyone, literally everyone, is stressed or burned out. This is especially common for people who have desk jobs and live a sedentary life.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation was even worse. Mental health issues skyrocketed. 2020 and 2021 went down in history as the darkest years of the entire human race. This was not just because it claimed countless lives. But also because it had put the sanity of people at stake as a result of the lockdowns introduced. People were forced to become couch potatoes, which took a heavy toll on their minds.
Now let’s see how walking can act as a remedy for such issues and help a person psychologically.
1. The science of walking and mental clarity
Walking may seem simple, but it is backed by fascinating science. Walking boosts creativity, problem-solving, and stress reduction in the brain. This increases blood flow and releases hormones like dopamine and serotonin. These hormones help to reduce anxiety and depression and promote well-being. It also engages the brain in a rhythm, helping to declutter the mind.
2. Disconnecting in a connected world
In this digital era, we are hyperconnected and constantly bombarded with information, both necessary and unnecessary. Walking offers a break from all this noise. This allows you to unwind and live in the moment, leading to enhanced focus and mental clarity. But don't worry; if you get too unplugged, you can always just plug in your earphones and listen to some music.
3. Mindful walking as a meditation
Meditation involves being present in the moment and observing your thoughts without judgment. This can be done while walking by focusing on your breath, steps and sensations around you. Thus, walking can be considered a form of meditation. This mindful movement helps to bring clarity and calmness into your life. It improves focus and brings clarity to your thoughts. Plus, you get to enjoy the great outdoors, so it’s like a win-win situation!
4. Inspiration in nature
"Look deeper into nature and then you will understand everything better", said the great Albert Einstein. Walking in nature can provide you with a deep sense of inspiration. There is so much beauty in nature—the rustling leaves, the wind in your hair, the chirping birds, the buzzing bees. All these elements can spark your imagination and creativity. This will help you see your problems from a new perspective. Many great thinkers have experienced their breakthrough moments during walks in nature.
5. Enhanced problem solving
Have you ever noticed that your best ideas pop up while walking or moving? This is not just a coincidence. The change in surroundings and rhythmic motion of walking lead to divergent thinking (the process of creating multiple unique ideas or solutions to a problem). This helps trigger a creative thought process, which leads to solutions to problems that were difficult to solve previously.
To conclude, walking is an excellent tool that has numerous benefits. It offers mental clarity, creativity, and fresh perspectives on life's challenges. It provides a break from information overload, clears mental clutter, and improves overall well-being. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed and in need of an escape, just lace up your shoes and go for a walk—it's cheaper than therapy!
To make it more interesting, we at Malsar are organizing a 21-day walking challenge.
You can join from home and make the most of it!
Open to people of all age groups and abilities!
So are you ready to walk away from your stress and worries?
If yes, sign up for the challenge right now!
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