Six surprising scientific facts about walking

Posted by Carey Davies on 30/06/2014
Walking: good stuff

It helps you cope at work, 'heals' your brain, makes you more creative and it could even be better for you than running. Here are six ways walking could be more powerful than you realise.

People have long understood the health benefits of walking in nature. The wonderfully-named Shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing’, is standard preventative medicine in Japan. And more than a hundred years ago, the great conservationist John Muir wrote: "Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life."

But recently, science has started to catch up, and a growing body of research is showing the very tangible mental and physical health benefits walking brings. Some of these will surprise even long-time walkers.

  1. It helps you cope at work

Forget chugging caffeine, furtively checking Facebook and unwisely dumping your boss-directed anger on colleagues after several post-work drinks – the best way to deal with the stress and pressure of wage slavery (short of abolishing capitalism) is by enjoying nature.

Research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) showed the benefits of the great outdoors by measuring responses to stress during and after viewing nature in both simulated and real environments.

One study showed that just looking at slides of natural scenes could improve recovery from a stressful task, while scenes of built-up areas did the opposite. Another showed that a walk in "green" environments at lunch time led to a better sleep the following night, and over a period of eight weeks led to people having significantly lower levels of blood pressure and perceived stress. If that’s what you get from a lunchtime stroll, just imagine what regular weekend forays in the Lake District, Snowdonia and the Highlands will do.

WATCH our hill walking skills playlist on BMC TV:

Watch more inspirational and skills videos on BMC TV

  1. It might be better for you than running

Running seems the epitome of healthy living, doesn’t it? Jogging purposefully along with fancy trainers and bright clothes while listening to some inspiring tunes through headphones – what’s healthier than that?

Well, just walking, possibly. According to one study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, a brisk walk can reduce the risk of heart disease more effectively than running. The huge test involved researchers comparing data from two studies of 33,060 runners and 15,045 walkers over a period of six years. They found that for the same amount of energy used walkers experienced greater health benefits than runners, with the risk of heart disease, blood pressure and cholesterol reduced by nearly twice as much as running in some cases.

Of course, the results had to involve the same amount of energy expenditure. So because running uses approximately two and half times the energy of walking, you’d have to spend two and a half times longer doing it. And other research shows that running could be better for losing pounds, while running and walking had about the same impact on the risk of first-time diabetes – both reducing it by about 12%.

To sum up, then, both are good for you – but walking could be better than you realise (even Runner’s World think so.)

  1. It helps you concentrate

Your brain gets tired. It’s basically a muscle with thoughts, and like other muscles it suffers from fatigue, the poor thing.

The stresses and strains of urban living, constant noise and dozens of things competing for our attention at any one time exacerbate what’s been called “brain fatigue”- when  you’re distracted, absent-minded and have the attention span of a midge.

People have long understood intuitively that wandering through green space has a beneficial, calming impact on the mind, but a recent study in Scotland used technology to prove it. Lightweight brain-scanning devices were strapped to the heads of 12 people who were then sent on a walk through Edinburgh. The results showed that while busy, built-up areas induced frustration and irritation in the participants, green and parkland sections led to the brain becoming calmer and more meditative.

Naturally, this calmer state helps with brain fatigue. Jenny Roe, a lecturer at Heriot-Watt’s School of the Built Environment, who oversaw the study, told the New York Times that while natural settings engage our brain, the type of engagement is effortless: "It’s called involuntary attention in psychology. It holds our attention while at the same time allowing scope for reflection."

  1. It ‘heals’ your brain

Studies like the one above may simply offer scientific evidence to back up something many people already knew, but they point the way to a better understanding of exactly how nature works to soothe and enhance our mental state.

Urban environments are mentally demanding places to be – dodging cars, weaving through pedestrians, staring at screens, cramming on to trains and fielding phone calls require the brain to be constantly engaged, leaving precious little room for reflection or meditation.

By contrast, researchers have claimed the beguiling sights and sounds of nature invoke “soft fascination”. Rather than overwhelming it with the energy-sapping “hard” stimuli of urban environments, natural settings gently engage the brain while allowing it ample space to ruminate in the background on life’s quandaries and complexities. In other words, it lets your mind off the hook for a while; going for a walk allows your brain to roam along with your body.

  1. It makes you more creative

“All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking,” wrote Nietzsche. This sentiment is echoed by many others. “Methinks the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow,” wrote Henry Thoreau.  

Freedom of thought is a vital part of the creative process, so it follows that the mental unshackling walking provides gives creativity a boost. Scientists seem to agree. On a National Trust blog, Dr Sowden of the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey writes: “Walking has been shown to improve our ability to shift between modes of thought, and to improve our attention, memory and recovery from mental fatigue, all of which are important for thinking creatively”. What’s more, “walking exposes us to the constant flux of a changing environment providing us with an endless array of new and unique experiences, which combined with our past memories may, through serendipity alone, provoke new associations and give birth to new ideas. “

Although it must be pointed out that at some point, unfortunately, you have to stop walking and do some actual work.

  1. It can treat depression

A study by the University of Stirling on a sample of 341 patients showed a brisk walk was “an effective intervention for depression" and had a similar effect to other, more vigorous forms of exercise. The mental health charity Mind has its own research to back up this thesis. Its chief executive, Paul Farmer, told the BBC: "Exercising with others can have even greater impact, as it provides an opportunity to strengthen social networks, talk through problems with others or simply laugh and enjoy a break from family and work. So ask a friend to join you."

The benefits of physical exercise generally on treating mental health are well documented. According to one study, physical activity can even be as effective as medication in treating depression.

A 16-week study of 202 men and women found that 45% of patients diagnosed with major depression no longer met the criteria for depression after exercising three times a week in a supervised group setting. This is only very slightly less than the 47% of patients who no longer met the criteria for depression after taking anti-depressants.

Good news all round for the wellbeing of walkers.

READ MORE: Get into hill walking with these BMC resources

TWITTER: Follow the BMC's hill walking Twitter feed: @BMC_Walk

 


JOIN THE BMC: 5 reasons hill walkers should join the BMC

Join online today by Direct Debit and save 25% on your first year's membership.

WATCH: What does the BMC do for hill walkers?

GET THE KNOWLEDGE: BMC resources for hill walkers

 


« Back

Post a comment Print this article

This article has been read 6533 times

TAGS

Click on the tags to explore more

RELATED ARTICLES

Seven superb summits to climb this spring
3
Seven superb summits to climb this spring

Catch a glimpse of the Alps in Wales, see a mysterious double sunset, and climb the Yorkshire summit said to be more impressive than K2. Spring’s here, and it’s time to hit the hills.
Read more »

Hill and mountain skills courses for novices
0
Hill and mountain skills courses for novices

Mountain Training have developed two nationally accredited Hill & Mountain Skills courses for novices and improving hill walkers.
Read more »

50 shades of grim: how to go hill walking in rubbish weather
2
50 shades of grim: how to go hill walking in rubbish weather

Bad weather doesn’t have to mean a bad time. Here are five tips for making the most of awful conditions.
Read more »

Post a Comment

Posting as Anonymous Community Standards
3000 characters remaining
Submit
Your comment has been posted below, click here to view it
Comments are currently on | Turn off comments
13
Anonymous User
22/08/2013
I couldn't agree more with some of these points. 18 months ago my girlfriend and I started a weekly visit to the lakes to climb the peaks and wander the fells. I was under a lot of stress and very unhappy at work with my position at a design agency, each weekend was just time to stew over the past week and dread the next.

Planning each walk and climb during the working week gave me something to look forward to every weekend and the memories of the previous outing stayed with me through the week. We went out no matter what the weather, helping us develop our navigational skills as well as giving us many memorable experiences while getting to learn the Cumbrian fells better than where we actually live.

It helped my creativity within my design and photography which was growing stagnant and more labored due to the way I felt about my job. I've since left to work as a freelancer and still head to the hills every weekend. More people should realise the outdoors gives you time to take stock of your thoughts and empty your mind, it's better than medicine as far as I'm concerned and other than the potential cost of travel it's pretty much free.

It helped me to feel happy, alive again and fitter than I've been for a long long time.
Anonymous User
22/08/2013
I couldn't agree more with some of these points. 18 months ago my girlfriend and I started a weekly visit to the lakes to climb the peaks and wander the fells. I was under a lot of stress and very unhappy at work with my position at a design agency, each weekend was just time to stew over the past week and dread the next.

Planning each walk and climb during the working week gave me something to look forward to every weekend and the memories of the previous outing stayed with me through the week. We went out no matter what the weather, helping us develop our navigational skills as well as giving us many memorable experiences while getting to learn the Cumbrian fells better than where we actually live.

It helped my creativity within my design and photography which was growing stagnant and more labored due to the way I felt about my job. I've since left to work as a freelancer and still head to the hills every weekend. More people should realise the outdoors gives you time to take stock of your thoughts and empty your mind, it's better than medicine as far as I'm concerned and other than the potential cost of travel it's pretty much free.

It helped me to feel happy, alive again and fitter than I've been for a long long time.
Anonymous User
22/08/2013
This six point thesis on walking is spot on! My wellbeing is always improved by a good walk. When I was younger, I could walk for miles. Being a veteran of the Pennine Way, Lyke Wake Walk and the Three Peaks, I know at first hand the medical, physical and mental advantages of a great walk. I challenge anyone of you to take up on this sound advice. Walking takes up a lot of your time but it is not wasted time. You will find you can achieve more with a stimulated mind than by being lethargic. Couch potatoes end up as bitter and twisted individuals, with a blinkered mindset. The television does happen to have an 'off' switch. Get out into the country and bathe in the lovely quiet solitude of a moorland pathway, or a pastoral glade, or a coastal path. Breathe in the pure countryside air and be invigorated! Nothing can give you the deep therapy that walking can give you. At the moment, this is still a luxury we Brits still have. Make the most of it whilst you can. This freedom could not always last forever, especially if the urban planners get their way! Buy a good pair of stout boots and a map and compass. Make sure you have the proper clothing and food supplies. Take up the challenge and change your lifestyle! You won't regret it. My wife and I have just come back from North Yorkshire and we have seen a lot of country. Feeling refreshed, we have come back home to suburbia and want to go on another holiday! Such is the lure of the countryside.
Anonymous User
22/08/2013
" the best way to deal with the stress and pressure of wage slavery (short of abolishing capitalism) is by enjoying nature. " I can't agree more with this statement. After a week of wage slavery a trip to the mountains allows me to feel " free " for a short time. Sometimes the stresses of modern living can be a real challenge, There is nothing more depressing than a traffic clogged concrete and steel city scape with dirty air a too much noise, just a cog in the machine. Nature allows us to experience ourselves as part of a natural system that give us life and well-being. I would be lost without it.
Anonymous User
25/08/2013
Brilliant! But "abolishing Capitalism" will definitely help . ;-)
Anonymous User
26/09/2016
cool
23/01/2023
I was suffering from Lupus and Type 2 diabetes for over 8yrs. I tried many recommended drugs by our family medical Doctor. none was able to cure me , at last became dependent on saferoom and metformin due to the weakness and constant pains, i found that life was just sinking & there was no way of hope. i read about a herbalist from african Dr Ofua Ofure on his website, i decided to consult him through his contact i got from his website (+2347059497969) and (thegreatherbalhealinghome@gmail.com ) for herbal treatments, cause i have read testimonies of his herbal medicine curing several people from different disease and infections on his website: (https://dr-ofua-ofure-herbal-healing-home.business.site) , two days later, I make order for the herbal medicine and a week later i receive it at my house here in Manitoba CA, After some couple of days taking this herbal medicine, Things started to change, The symptoms started to decrease , a week later all symptoms were gone permanently .
At this point i was saying to myself i cant wait to complete the dosage as instructed by him, I became fully free from all the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes and Lupus, at the completion of the dosage after 21 days. i feel healthy again and i rush down to the hospital for check up and the test result confirmed it that am now free from diabetes and Lupus, I told the medical Doctor how it was possible and gave him the herbalist Dr Ofua Ofure contact. am sharing this here for anyone who is having health issues either it been diabetes, lupus or any other disease/infections, should please contact Dr Ofua Ofure for lasting solution.
My life is totally different now. That’s why I decided to let everybody know about the wonderful healing of Dr Ofua Ofure,
25/01/2023
I was suffering from Lupus and Type 2 diabetes for over 8yrs. I tried many recommended drugs by our family medical Doctor. none was able to cure me , at last became dependent on saferoom and metformin due to the weakness and constant pains, i found that life was just sinking & there was no way of hope. i read about a herbalist from african Dr Ofua Ofure on his website, i decided to consult him through his contact i got from his website (+2347059497969) and (thegreatherbalhealinghome@gmail.com ) for herbal treatments, cause i have read testimonies of his herbal medicine curing several people from different disease and infections on his website: (https://dr-ofua-ofure-herbal-healing-home.business.site) , two days later, I make order for the herbal medicine and a week later i receive it at my house here in Manitoba CA, After some couple of days taking this herbal medicine, Things started to change, The symptoms started to decrease , a week later all symptoms were gone permanently .
At this point i was saying to myself i cant wait to complete the dosage as instructed by him, I became fully free from all the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes and Lupus, at the completion of the dosage after 21 days. i feel healthy again and i rush down to the hospital for check up and the test result confirmed it that am now free from diabetes and Lupus, I told the medical Doctor how it was possible and gave him the herbalist Dr Ofua Ofure contact. am sharing this here for anyone who is having health issues either it been diabetes, lupus or any other disease/infections, should please contact Dr Ofua Ofure for lasting solution.
My life is totally different now. That’s why I decided to let everybody know about the wonderful healing of Dr Ofua Ofure,
18/01/2024
I have been suffering from Herpes for the past 1 years and 8 months, and ever since then I have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until I came across testimonies of Dr. Silver on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then I contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according .to his instructions. When I was done taking the herbal medicine I went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise I was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease you can contact Dr. Silver today on this Email address: drsilverhealingtemple@gmail.com or Whatsapp +2348120513902

RELATED ARTICLES

Seven superb summits to climb this spring
3

Catch a glimpse of the Alps in Wales, see a mysterious double sunset, and climb the Yorkshire summit said to be more impressive than K2. Spring’s here, and it’s time to hit the hills.
Read more »

Hill and mountain skills courses for novices
0

Mountain Training have developed two nationally accredited Hill & Mountain Skills courses for novices and improving hill walkers.
Read more »

50 shades of grim: how to go hill walking in rubbish weather
2

Bad weather doesn’t have to mean a bad time. Here are five tips for making the most of awful conditions.
Read more »

BMC MEMBERSHIP
Join 82,000 BMC members and support British climbing, walking and mountaineering. Membership only £16.97.
Read more »
BMC SHOP
Great range of guidebooks, DVDs, books, calendars and maps.
All with discounts for members.
Read more »
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Get covered with BMC Insurance. Our five policies take you from the beach to Everest.
Read more »