Mental Health & Walking

Top Mental Health Benefits of Walking

In this episode of the Waytrails podcast, we dive into the powerful connection between walking and mental health. We share our top tips about:

Listen how walking has helps clear our minds, reduce stress, cognitive restoration and creative thinking.

Here are some fun, practical tips for getting the most out of outdoor walks today:

Create a "Walk Playlist": Curate a playlist with your favourite tunes or calming sounds to sync up with your walk. Music has the power to elevate your mood and transform your stroll into a mini escape. Tip: Mix in some upbeat tracks for energy and slow jams for a relaxing vibe—tailor it to your mood!
Go for a “Mindful Photo Walk”: Take your phone or camera and capture interesting moments during your walk—whether it’s a cool tree, a sunset, or an unexpected street art find. This taps into creativity and helps you stay focused on the beauty around you. Tip: Take a new route each time for fresh sights and new inspiration.
Walk with a Purpose (Like a Mini Adventure): Turn your walk into an adventure by setting a small goal—like finding the best coffee shop in your neighborhood, exploring hidden gems, or discovering new parks. This adds excitement to your walk while also providing a mental refresh. Tip: Bring a friend or family member along to make it a fun social experience!
Track Your Steps with a Fitness App: We LOVE this one. It's so satisfying. Use a step-counter or pedometer to track your steps, heart rate, or distance during your walk. Seeing your progress gives a sense of accomplishment, and you might even get hooked on hitting daily goals. Tip: Challenge yourself to hit a new personal best each time, and celebrate with a (healthy) mini reward after!
Try a “Walking Meditation”: If you're into mindfulness, try a walking meditation. This isn’t about speed or distance—it’s about being fully present in every step. Focus on your breathing, the sensation of your feet on the ground, and the sounds around you. Tip: Start with 10-15 minutes, and gradually increase the time as it feels natural.