A few weeks ago, I attended a meeting in London. I normally go for a run in the morning and decided the hotel based on a location close to Hyde Park. But since the meeting started at 9am and the sun was up at 8am, it was not possible to go for a run, so I decided instead to walk through Hyde Park to the meeting in the city centre. The walk was straight out amazing. The park was crisp from the minus degrees and the sun was just visible over the skyline, creating long shadows from the threes. When I arrived at the meeting, my head was switched on and ready to tackle the day.
The walk in its self was amazing, but I also benefited from a mental boost which I feel enabled me to preform well that day. If you have any doubts to the benefits of walking, here are some research findings to help reinforce the benefits and strengthen you mental capability to preform better.
1. Your mood improves when you are walking.
A research from the California State University found out that there was a significant correlation between a persons mood and how many steps they had taken in a day. They both rated themselves as having better diet and doing better with their mental health.
2. Increased energy level
Not only can your mood be improved, but your energy level can also be improved. An Australian and Swedish Study found out that people that walked for 30 minutes felt more energetic at the end of the day than the people that did not walk.
3. Memory and brain function
Walking can also help you when it comes to your brain power. According to the NY Times, a 10 minute walk can have impressive power on how the brain in functioning when it comes to performance and memory. The brain actually coordinates memory tests better after exercise have been preformed.
4. Handling stress
The Mayo Clinic found out that any from of exercise can actually reduce stress. Walking has the possibility to increase you endorphins and therefore reduce stress with improving your mood. It also actually reduces your stress hormone.
5. Improve your sleep
Another benefit with walking is that it can improve your sleep. Harvard Medical School found out that walking more can help you fall asleep easier. If you walk in the morning and get some of the morning sun, this can also help you improve your sleep cycle.
6. Increase your creativity
Walking can also increase you creativity. A Stanford Study found that creativity actually was boosted after a walk. The study also showed that it didn’t matter if you were walking outdoors of indoors.
7. Lower your risk of depression
To be able to preform, is it important to have control over your mental health and to avoid depression. Walking can actually help you with this. In a Lancet study, the researchers found out that 43% less had a bad mental health day if they were walking.
The view from the hotel
Lancaster Gate neighbourhood
So now, what are you waiting for? Have you ever experienced the effect of walking?
