You Can Transform Your Life by Changing Your Walk

Research says changing your walk can change your life!

Whenever I go for my early morning walk, I meet and greet a lot of morning walkers. Each person exhibits a unique way of walking.

Some walk like it’s a compulsion imposed by a deadly disease. For some, it’s a little rendevous for getting gossip. Some walk slowly with a rush of thoughts flowing through the mind. A few walk with their headphones on.

Last week, my friend joined me and witnessed this diversity. He asked me ‘What’s the right way to walk? Is the saying true that changing your walk can change your life?’

Your walk can transform your life: Is it true?

Also Read: Different people’s different reasons for walking

Studies say our style of walking can reflect our mood. Slump lazy walk reveals a sad and gloomy mood. Whereas pep and bounce in the walk reveal a happy mood. Long strides with an elongated back emit confidence and sly, timid steps reveal nervousness.

Thus, an effort to change your walk can change your entire personality!

And your personality is what makes or breaks your life.

Also Read: Do you know morning walk sparks creativity?

How your walk can transform your life?

1. From gloomy to sun-shiny

Slumping is not only bad for the back. A slumpy walk tends to ruin your mood too. Studies revealed that people with slow sad walks tend to be more depressed and get angry easily. They are often spotted in a ruined mood.

The slumpy walk can even kill your libido. Psychologists say that people whose walk is slow and lost are more likely to be clinically depressed. So, one simple trick to peep up the mood is to add a little life to the walk.

This needs to be a conscious effort until it becomes natural. Move your arms a bit, relax your shoulders, stop being conscious of the mind, and just go with the flow.

2. Steps toward satisfaction

A Dutch study found that people who stay calm and mindful during the walk enjoy more satisfaction. Numerous studies have reported that mindfulness can reduce stress.

The best way to do this is to go for a walk alone.

Don’t take your walk buddy or put your headphones on. See the beauty around. Feel the fresh air and let the positivity sink into you. The trick is to observe and relish!

Try this walk meditation to melt your anxiety away. 

Read more: The benefits of practicing Walk Meditation

3. Don’t let your walk do the backbiting

Some people look like they carry the weight of this world on their shoulders. And this is very well reflected in their walk. They are often uninterested, reluctant, and grumpy.

This sends a very negative vibe.

People like to steer away from the person with this walking personality. So, if you notice people ignoring you then maybe you need to make sure your walk more confidently.

Also Read: 9 easy ways to make your boring walk interesting

Relationship between walking style and mood

Several studies have investigated the relationship between walking style and mood. Research has shown that walking with a confident and energetic gait can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. On the other hand, a slow and slouched gait has been associated with negative mood states.

One study found that people who walked with a high and energetic gait reported feeling happier and more confident compared to those who walked with a slow and lethargic gait. Another study found that a brisk, upright walk can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression in older adults.

Here are five studies that investigated the relationship between gait and mental health:

1. “The relationship between gait and depression: A pilot study” (2008) – This study found that people with depression tend to have slower gait speeds and reduced stride length compared to healthy controls.
   
2. “Gait patterns and depression in older adults” (2010) – This study found that older adults with depression had slower gait speeds and reduced stride length compared to healthy controls. The study also found that a brisk, upright gait was associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.
   
3. “Gait parameters and depression in Parkinson’s disease” (2011) – This study found that people with Parkinson’s disease and depression had slower gait speeds and reduced stride length compared to those with Parkinson’s disease without depression.
   
4. “Gait and depression in the elderly: A systematic review” (2015) – This systematic review found that people with depression tend to have slower gait speeds and reduced stride length compared to healthy controls. The review also found that a brisk, upright gait was associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression in older adults.
   
5. “Gait analysis and mood disturbance in people with multiple sclerosis” (2017) – This study found that people with multiple sclerosis and depression tend to have slower gait speeds and reduced stride length compared to those with multiple sclerosis without depression.
   

Conclusion

These studies suggest that gait may be an indicator of mental health and well-being and that a confident and energetic gait may be associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between gait and mental health.