The best mental health hack? Walking
It’s funny how something as simple as walking can completely shift your mental state.
I’ve been walking more than ever this past year, and I can genuinely say it’s been a game-changer for my mental health. I feel calmer, my mood is more lifted, and I even make better choices throughout the day, whether it’s what I eat or how I manage my time. I find that after a good walk, my focus sharpens, and my body feels more aligned and energized.
What’s great is that it’s not a complicated routine or a special skill that requires mental effort—as long as you have the mobility, it’s as easy as putting one foot in front of the other.
Why walking is a game-changer for mental health
Walking is a completely underrated mental health tool. It reduces stress, improves your mood, and enhances your sense of clarity. It helps release feel-good endorphins, calms your nervous system, and gives you a gentle, low-impact movement that’s kind to your body. Even beyond its mental benefits, walking improves cardiovascular health, helps you manage your weight, and increases your energy level. Similar to meditation, when something this simple can positively affect both mind and body, it’s hard to ignore.
Finding your own walking style
There’s no “right way” to walk—which is what I appreciate about it. For me, I love mixing it up. Some days, it’s about connection: I’ll take a walk with my family and our dogs, or pull my son in a wagon while we talk about our interests and take in the scenery together. It’s such a beautiful way to bond with loved ones and nature, combining quality time with fresh air and movement. On days when the weather isn’t so friendly, I’ll jump on a treadmill and walk solo. This has become my time for personal growth—I’ll pop in my headphones and listen to an audiobook about personal development. I try to aim for 10,000 steps a day, but when I’m immersed in a great story or powerful ideas, the time flies by. What could feel like a boring exercise suddenly becomes something that nourishes me in all ways—body, mind, and spirit.
Walking as moving meditation
What I’ve really come to love, though, is walking as a form of moving meditation. The repetitive rhythm of walking naturally activates bilateral stimulation, which is incredibly calming for the nervous system.
When I set the intention for a walk to shift my state of awareness, the simple act of setting the intention allows it to become a moving meditation. I love taking slow, mindful walks when I’m not in a rush—tuning into the sensations in my body, the rhythm of my steps, and the sights, sounds, and smells around me. It’s like hitting pause on the chaos of daily life.
If you struggle with sitting still for meditation, walking meditation is a beautiful alternative. The guided Walking Single in the Balance app can help you get started. It’s all about being present with yourself and your surroundings and grounding your awareness in the here and now.
So, want to go on a walk?
Walking isn’t flashy or extreme. It’s not necessarily for the Instagram highlight reel, but it is incredibly effective. A perfect antidote to the stress of modern life. Whether you use it to connect, learn, or meditate, walking has the power to uplift your mind, body, and soul in ways you may not expect. So grab your walking shoes, or just go barefoot on the earth. Take a deep breath and give it a try—you might just discover it’s the best mental health hack you’ve been missing out on.
