How we walk says a lot about our physical and mental health

Walking is something we do every day, but did you know that how we walk can give clues about our overall health? From our walking speed to posture, there’s a lot our steps can reveal about both our body and mind. Our walking pattern could be a window into our physical fitness and mental state. Here are some ways how walking can reflect our well-being.


What walking speed tells you about your health
One of the easiest ways to assess health is by looking at walking speed. A study titled "Association of Neurocognitive and Physical Function With Gait Speed in Midlife" found that people who walked slower were more likely to show signs of early ageing. Walking slowly has been related by researchers to cognitive problems, diminished muscle strength, and physical deterioration.


Quick walkers are generally in better cardiovascular condition and have a lower risk of heart disease. They also exhibit improved lung function and greater strength. If you see that you are getting less exercise, it could be a good idea to evaluate your physical health.




What are some indicators of mental health?
Your mental health is also reflected in how you walk. People dealing with anxiety or depression often have a slouched posture, with their heads down and shoulders forward. A 2014 study “Do slumped and upright postures affect stress responses? People who walk in a proper posture have happier emotions than those who slouch.


Walking habits can also be impacted by mental exhaustion and stress. Indications of mental overload could include dragging feet, uneven patterns, or unusual steps. Keeping an eye out for these indicators will help you determine whether you're experiencing more mental stress than you think.


Can walking help slow ageing?
Walking can help delay the ageing process in addition to being a reflection of health. Studies published in "Frontiers in Public Health" show that regular, vigorous walking can lengthen one's life. It keeps the heart healthy, tones the muscles, and keeps the mind clear.

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Conversely, slower walkers could feel the opposite. As you get older, walking more slowly increases your risk of developing health issues, such as cognitive decline. Developing the habit of walking quicker could be a straightforward but powerful strategy to address these age-related problems.


Improving your walking speed for better health
Getting fitter overall is more important for increasing walking speed than merely walking faster. If you notice that you are walking slower than usual, it can be a sign that you need to incorporate strength training, flexibility, or balancing exercises into your daily routine.

Small objectives over time can have a significant impact on your mental and physical well-being. Increasing your daily walking distance or pace is one example of this. The secret is to maintain being reliable and to gradually push your body.

Listen to your walk
There's more to your walking style than just getting from one point to another. It's an unnoticed but reliable indicator of your mental and physical health. Observing your walking style, whether it is posture or speed, can provide you with important information about your general health. Understanding what our walk tells us about our health will help us achieve minor but meaningful life improvements.