Wellbeing

NH’s Talking About: Medicine Walking

If you lead a hectic life juggling a million different things, a simple walk could be just what the doctor ordered

If you’ve ever walked along a pebbled beach, or down a winding country lane on a warm summer’s day, you’ll already appreciate that taking a gentle stroll is one of life’s most simple pleasures; and that’s what medicine walking is – a walk amongst nature that allows you to slow down, shift consciousness and tune in to what your soul needs.

We all know the benefits of walking are multiple, and time after time, scientific research has proven the positive impact it can leave on our physical and emotional health. Whether it’s releasing the feel-good chemicals that help boost our mood – moderate exercisers are 30 percent less likely to suffer a depressive episode – or giving us a surge of energy, it’s an important tonic for our busy lives. But when was the last time you gave any real thought to putting one foot in front of the other?

Jane Alexander, author of The Energy Secret: Practices and Rituals to Unlock your Inner Energy for Healing and Happiness (£14.99, Kyle Books), believes we should consider walking as a form of meditation. If you want to get the most out of your stroll, regardless of where you live, “try looking at everything,” suggests Jane, “the grass, an insect, the earth – as if you’re seeing it for the very first time. Don’t just use your sight – use your other senses too. Listen to the sound of nature – even in the heart of a city you can still hear the rustle of trees.”

Though exercising is, for many people, a major part of their self-care routine, the recent global situation has altered our dayto- day lives; and now is the time to make the most of when we’re able to be outdoors. A study carried out by The University of Warwick found that those who didn’t get themselves out and about had a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease; and those who walked at least 10,000 to 15,000 steps per day had healthier BMIs, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and better blood sugar control.

If you’re thinking about giving it a go, here are some guidelines to help get you started: “As you walk, become aware of placing your feet on the ground,” says Jane. “At first you can say to yourself, ‘Right foot, left foot,’ as you feel each foot touch the ground.” Then ask yourself: “how does this ground feel? Make yourself as light as possible, so you literally tread lightly upon the earth. Try to keep breathing through your nose – this may mean you slow down your pace a little to begin with.” Simply wandering outside amongst nature will not only help you feel less foggy and stressed, you’ll feel more encouraged to tackle life’s daily challenges.

Be part of our digital community by joining our sister title Health & Wellbeing over on Instagram (@healthandwellbeingmag) and send them your walking pictures by using the #WalkToWellbeing hashtag, and they’ll share them on their page. We’ll be with you every step of the way.