Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” who said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” also said, “If you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood go for another walk.” Obviously our modern world presents challenges Hippocrates could never have imagined. Nevertheless, there is a deep truth in what he is stating. And perhaps, a walk is often overlooked as realistic remedy.
It’s a rather simple and delightfully easy antidote when we are feeling sad, anxious, angry, grieving, or just about any other emotion- try walking. And if you can’t walk, try getting outside to be in motion and intimate with the elements. Who has not benefited from even a short walk or ride around the block when tensions are high? From the Peace Pilgrim to Nietzsche we can hear stories about how great insight, creativity, and contentment comes from the motion and spaciousness of walking. Neuroscientist who have taken to studying the impact of walking and nature have discovered that a walk floods our body with positive neurotransmitters- so much so that it is about the equivalent of a taking a low dose antidepressant: https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/walk-away-blues#
Basically, we benefit from regular movement and time in nature. During the pandemic there has been a rise in anxiety and depression. Since humans are hard-wired for socializing, it is quite unnatural to be held up at home for months on end. At this moment in time, we have to do even more to take care of our mental health. I am making a case for including a walk. Next time you feel anxious, depressed, angry, etc., try a short walk as an experiment. Let it be pleasurable. Note how you feel afterwards. Write it down if you can. I wonder what creativity, insight, and feelings might come to you as you stroll through your neighborhood parks and trails. I hope your next walk is so good that you consider adding walking into your self-care toolbox. Till next time, safe travels.
For more reading on the subject: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jul/28/its-a-superpower-how-walking-makes-us-healthier-happier-and-brainier