W for Walking (A-Z Happiness Guide)

Walking is perhaps the best medicine…and it’s free!!!

Remember when you were a kid and you stubbed your toe and your mom or dad told you to walk it off. After taking a few steps that stubbed toe felt all better. As adults we have all sorts of “stubbed toes,” usually of the emotional variety. Regardless of whether it’s hurt feelings, a migraine, or lower back pain, walking it off is easy, effective, and free. Sometimes we can walk ourselves out of depression and into greater happiness and self-actualization.

Several years ago I was working with a client over the phone. He was in a severe and long lasting depression. At the encouragement of a mentor, who said that brisk thirty minute walks have been proven to release the same chemicals in the brain as the anti-depressant agents found in SSRIs, I encouraged this client to go for a walk while he spoke to me on his cell phone. Having done so, this client came to the conclusion that he was more comfortable living in the familiarity of depression than the newness of happiness. At this point in the therapy the client knew what he had to do if he wanted to feel better, but there was nothing left for me to do. The choice was his: walk it off or sit with it.

While in college a very good friend of mine suffered a terrible spinal cord injury. Through extensive rehabilitation he was able to regain much use of both his upper and lower body. Nevertheless, he still battled with depression, as his body was not as strong as it had been before his injury. On one occasion he asked his doctor for a prescription or recommendation to alleviate the depression. The doctor told him that the best cure for emotional ailments is to take a W.A.L.K.

When faced with hardship and adversity, many of my native friends and acquaintances in Montana would walk into the mountains and forests where they would seek answers and resolutions to their dilemmas. Walking, regardless of whether its in the mountains and forests of Montana or in the cityscape of Manhattan or San Francisco has a soothing and clarifying effect on our minds, bodies, and spirits. In fact when I was still in Montana struggling with the question of whether or not to adopt a traditional Jewish lifestyle, much of my decision making was done on walks.

Walking will add happiness to your life by allowing you to release unwanted and unhealthy tension, breathe deeply, take in beautiful scenery, clarify your thoughts, and tone your mind, body, and spirit.

Tips for walking:

Wear comfortable footwear.

Wear comfortable clothing.

Drink fluids and stay hydrated.

Walk for 20-30 minutes every day.

Take in the scenery.

Breathe in the air around you.

Nod to passers by.

Take walking breaks.

Punctuate your walking by sitting on comfortable rocks and benches.

Set a thinking agenda (i.e. things to think about and clarify as you walk).

Don’t have any agenda, just let things happen naturally.

Notice something new and surprising.

Notice something old and familiar.

Walk briskly for an invigorating experience.

Walk slowly for a relaxing and meditative experience.

Surprise yourself.

Make strides.

Take baby steps.

Delight in your steps.

Suggested Reading:

Walking by Henry David Thoreau

A Hike For Mike: An Uplifting Adventure Across the Sierra Nevada for Depression Awareness by Jeff Alt

Tai Chi Walking: A Low-Impact Path to Better Health by Robert Chuckrow

ChiWalking: Fitness Walking for Lifelong Health and Energy by Danny and Katherine Dreyer