A new book by Annabel Streets, titled 52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time is the latest in a growing body of literature and scientific studies trumpeting the health benefits of walking.
Offering practical advice, the book features tips, inspiration and science-backed advice to help readers incorporate walking into their daily routine. As a moderate form of exercise and wellness practice, walking is an easy way of tackling many of the illnesses and stress of the modern era.
But most surprisingly, Annabel points out that most of us are stuck in walking routines which may not be providing us with the best health benefits walking has to offer.
The preview to the book explains that we walk “in the same place, in the same way, for the same time, with the same people…52 Ways to Walk will encourage everyone to improve how they walk, while also encouraging them to seek out new locations (many on their own doorsteps), new walking companions (our brains age better when we mix up our fellow walkers), new times of the day and night, and new skills to acquire while walking.”
~ Penguin Randon House
The book includes 52 different walking ideas, including nature walks, city walks, walking meditations, and more. It aims to help readers boost their physical and mental well-being, reduce stress, and improve their overall health and well-being.
For example, in an interview with the Guardian newspaper in the UK, Annabel reveals that walking underneath evergreen trees can lower your blood pressure.
It is well known that nature walks have a positive impact on your immune system and has shown to improve mood and lower anxiety levels. You can read more about the health benefits of walking in nature in this article.
