What Happens to Your
Brain When You Walk
Every Day?
It’s more than just exercise. Walking changes the way
your brain thinks, feels and connects with the world.
Here’s what happens — and why a simple walk can
make a big difference.
Some of history’s greatest thinkers had an interesting habit.
They walked. A lot.
Charles Darwin had a favorite walking path near his home. Beethoven took long walks, carrying paper to capture musical ideas. And Steve Jobs became known for holding important conversation while walking.
Different centuries. Different professions. Very different people. But they may have understood something we sometimes forget:
The brain seems to like it when the body moves.
Your Brain Doesn’t Stay Behind When You Head Out For A Walk
Your brain doesn’t stay behind when you head out for a walk. It comes with you — processing the changing scenery, noticing sounds, adjusting your balance and helping you navigate the world around you.
Walking may feel automatic, but your brain is surprisingly busy. Each step requires coordination between your muscles, senses and nervous system. At the same time, the steady rhythm of walking gives your mind room to think, wander and make connections.
That combination — a moving body and an active but unpressured mind — may be one reason walking can leave you feeling clearer than when you started.
“Sometimes a walk changes the way you feel and think about your day.”
– STROLLO
In This Article
- Your Brain Comes With You
- Want a Better Idea? Try Walking.
- Beethoven Took His Ideas for a Walk
- Outside, Your Brain Gets a Different Kind of Stimulation
- The World Doesn’t Have an Algorithm
- Walking Gives Your Thoughts Somewhere to Wander
- And Then There Are Other Humans
- So What Happens When We Barely Move?
- Your Phone Isn’t the Villain
- Try a Walk Without Entertaining Yourself
- What Happens to Your Brain When You Walk Every Day?
