How Long Does a Walk Need To Be?
If you've ever skipped a walk because you thought you didn't have enough time, you're not alone. Many of us assume that a walk has to be long to be worthwhile but research shows that physical activity of any duration can contribute to better health. Sometimes a quick walk around the block is exactly what we need.
In this week's episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, I explore different kinds of walks and the unique benefits they offer. A 10-minute walk can help reset your day. A longer walk may provide time to think, solve problems, or spark creativity. And when we venture somewhere new—whether it's a local trail, a historic neighborhood, or a favorite vacation destination—walking can become an experience we'll remember for years.
We also look at research from Stanford University showing that walking can boost creative thinking, as well as evidence supporting the physical and mental health benefits of regular walking but one of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that there isn't a perfect walk length. Different walks serve different purposes, and every step counts.
So whether you have 10 minutes, 40 minutes, or an entire afternoon, consider this your reminder to get outside and take a walk.
Resources:
The impact of walking on creative thinking: A systematic review and meta-analysis https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13170883/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Exploring a Novel Environment Improves Motivation and Promotes Recall of Words https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25191297/Â
Effects of Active Exploration on Novelty-Related Declarative Memory Enhancement https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1074742721000253Â
Effects of Exploring a Novel Environment on Memory Across the Lifespan https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36198743/Â
Novelty-Induced Memory Boosts in Humans: The When and How https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10023963/Â
Stanford Walking and Creativity Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24749966/
CDC Physical Activity Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/
Harvard Health: Hike Your Way to Better Health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/hike-your-way-to-better-health
I'd love to hear from you: What's the most memorable walk you've ever taken?
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