Neuroscientist Reveals How Walking Improves Our Brain and Mental Health: Shane O’Mara | Bitesize

Walking can slow and even reverse functional ageing in the brain, improve our cognition, our creativity and our mental health but yet it is such an underrated activity.

Today’s clip is from episode 84 of the podcast with neuroscientist Shane O’Mara, a professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College Dublin.

Shane believes walking can be our superpower. In this clip he explains how the many benefits of walking go beyond the physical – it’s important for our mood, our happiness and our wellbeing.

Shane reveals the results of a studies that showed that walking improved memory and attention and reversed functional ageing of the brain, and that if we walk before doing a task, we perform it more creatively.

The benefits of walking are retained throughout life and it’s never too late to start. As Shane says, ‘you only get old when you stop walking, you don’t stop walking because you’re old’

Watch the full Feel Better Live More podcast episode:
#84 Why Walking Is The Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had with Professor Shane O’Mara

#walking #mentalhealth #feelbetterlivemorepodcast

Connect with Shane:

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

[keithtwort]

I walk about 35 or 40 miles a week. I have just had an award from fitbit for walking the length of Africa (5000 miles) since Feb 2020. I am 76.
EDIT: Update. Now 78. Still keeping it up! BP ideal. Body weight ideal (BMI 22.3) Rest heart rate low 50s. Blood oxygen good (96-99%). 11900 steps yesterday - 80, 000 steps last week. Pace slowed a bit - am I getting old?

[irenechiboola]

Wow this is very encouraging. I walk one hour a day. 30mins in the morning and 30mins evening. Walking has actually been healing for me.

[memastarful]

I walk 2 hours everyday. I enjoy it so much being in nature. It makes me feel so wonderful

[spaceman]

It you're feeling down, walk
If you're depressed, walk
If you had a crap day, walk
If your cat died, (I'm so sorry) walk
If he or she left you, walk
If your boss is a dawg, walk
If there's mind fog, walk
If your confused, walk

Just walk people🚶‍♀️

[marycollins]

Yes, I'm nearly 62 and recovered from a diagnosis of MS in 1995, took a year, and walking is and was key!

[treadeffectfitness]

So true!!! I got a treadmill desk for work and it changed my life. It's amazing, I started walking 10 miles a day (never thought I would walk that much consistently) I walked slowly between 1.7 - 2.5 mph. Not only did I have better mental clarity and less depression, but in the first 10 days I lost 10 lbs. Had no idea this would happen. I have lost over 25 lbs since starting. And I've kept the weight off. But there are so many other benefits to walking. I even had clearer skin - its incredible. Walking at work changed my life. I enjoy work so much more now. Sitting down all day is the worst. Whatever you do just start walking more.

[zoeydeu]

I had depression for the first time a few years ago. My friends saved me by forcing me to go out to nature and bushwalk/trek with them. Within 2 months I felt better, healthier and mentally stronger. Huge difference given I was in a depressed state for 6 months - barely able to get up, laying in bed ruminating and crying, unmotivated to do anything and feeling hopeless - to becoming motivated again, started taking care of myself, sleeping better and reintegrating into society

[hawkmaster]

I enjoy going for 4-mile walks. I use the first 2 miles listening to inspiring music, I rest at the mid point; have a piece of fruit and bottle of water, then walk back with flash cards to learn words in a different language.

[lisengel]

I was raised in a family walking together everyday enjoying Nature and talking together while walking

[RafalReyzer]

I've read that Charles Dickens was walking for a couple of hours per day. That should tell you something about the link between walking and creativity.

[monahimani]

Listening to this great video while walking. My grandparents lived till their mid-90s and walked twice a day without fail, even with a cane.

[jonathanperry]

3 years ago I underwent psychotherapy for low mood and anxiety. I'd have a walk after each session in woods and countryside. It was then things fell into place. .. my walks now are certainly medicine, best discovery in an age for me

[jedlimen]

For extra credit try a little backwards walking (SAFELY!) when and where you can, if you can. It throws the brain a curve ball! Cheers.

[ElrohirGuitar]

I love how the top shelf of his bookcase is assisted by a stack of books.

[souravchowdhury]

I have been walking in the morning since past 2 days and it feels feel more energetic already and want to continue this habit for long...

[elainetorpy]

I go for up to four walks a day, averaging 17, 000 steps a day, I’m 62, slim and still in a full time senior level job and agree with everyone word from th Professor 😀

[aratneerg]

Walking was my therapy during covid. I meditate also and the two go very nicely together.

[dottorbiotech]

I walk 4 hours a day. 20 km a day and can think very well after that (and avoid toxic overthinking). Bless you doc

[ninajohnson]

Loved this conversation. I walk every day and have for decades.

[deathwarmedup]

I go hillwalking in the Highlands most weekends and nothing beats the feelgood factor of driving home in the dark after a day on the mountains, to your dinner and a wee dram.