As a writer, your mental health is crucial – and yet it is so counterintuitive. You imagine that to be a writer you need to be chained to your desk, but nothing is further from the truth.
Physical activity is vital for your mental health and for the brilliance of your writing. One surprising form of activity is simply walking, and it’s easy to fit into a busy lifestyle.

With me, you know, it launched three bestselling hiking books–those were long walks, and I never felt better in my life.

Walking for Writers and Others

Walking is not only for writers. Research has shown that it increases energy and concentration levels, reduces blood pressure, and bolsters the immune system. It also promotes weight loss  and improves heart health. My goodness, what a list that is!

The physical benefits of walking include:
Improved mood and reduced stress levels
Reduced risk of heart disease
Increased fitness and stamina
Reduced risk of injury from falls
The psychological benefits of walking include:
Improved sleep quality, especially for individuals suffering from insomnia or bipolar disorder ‘
Stress relief – by literally getting away from it all.
Improvement in cognitive function, including better focus and memory retention.
Better relationships with those who you walk with is a surprise benefit – get away from technology and enjoy each other’s company on a walk.

Walking for Stress Management

Walking is an excellent form of exercise, and it can also be used as a form of stress relief. It has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol by up to 23%. Furthermore, in a study conducted in 2017, it was found that people who took a walk in nature or through an urban park had lower levels of depression and anxiety than those who walked on a treadmill at the gym.
So, like me if you hate the gym, get walking!
The  average  person takes about 5,000 steps per day  without  thinking about it, upping this to 10,000 steps just takes a short-ish walk or saunter.

The Benefits of Walking are Too Good to Ignore

Walking makes you a better person to be around. It is good for your mental health and for those around them. You might think that you can only improve your mental health by therapy and medication, but there are other ways as well. One thing that has been shown to have a positive impact on one’s mental life is physical activity. Physical activity helps with moods, stress levels, and even sleep quality.

The first reason you should walk more this week is because it’s good for your heart. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “People who walk 30 minutes per day might reduce their risk of heart attack.
Activities such as going for a hike can help with mental & physiological well-being. Going for a hike is a great way to get in touch with nature and our surroundings. Hiking is also great when it comes to physical exercise and the release of endorphins. If you’re looking for an activity that can help with mental and physiological well-being, look no further than hiking!
Walking is an excellent way of getting enough exercise, but it can also help you sleep better.  A new study has found that taking a walk before bed can help you sleep better, and also help you lose weight and improve your memory, and for me to, it motivates me to write more.

My Writerly Hint

Keep a record of your walks – use a journal. A simple notebook is good, or you can use this one that I created for myself. Download it now and take the first step.