By Dr. Nicole LePera

Hi ,

You were built to walk. 

Our body has a stress response system called HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). This system helps our body cope and respond to stress. It plays a role in regulating our cortisol levels and our nervous system.

We can actually train our HPA to respond better to stress by regularly walking.

Sometimes, we get stuck in our heads. We replay conversations, overthink, and our brain goes into crisis scenarios. When I notice this in myself, it’s a signal that my nervous system is dysregulated.

When our nervous system is dysregulated, we can’t see anything clearly. We can’t make decisions. We can’t see the bigger picture. And we have a very narrow and limited perspective.

When this happens, the best thing we can do is: walk. If you’ve done it, you know what I’m talking about. You start walking and 10 minutes in, your mood is better, your thoughts are clearer, and that feeling of dread has left your body. Part of this is because our body is releasing feel-good hormones and endorphins. And at the same time, it’s releasing sympathetic (or fight or flight) energy.

This is why, before you make any decision, it’s important to walk on it.

You’ll be amazed at how differently you see a situation after a walk.

And your nervous system will thank you. 

*One more note from me (Karen)

When you are walking, allow your arms to swing naturally as you take your steps you add the following physical benefits!

• Better balance
• Immune support (you're stimulating your body's lymphatic system)
• Shoulder mobility
• Back health