Before the word Christian became popular, those who followed Jesus were known as those of the Way. This expression appears several times in the Book of Acts, where this group is referred to with respect and sometimes fear. The Greek term used is odos, which means “way,” “path,” “journey”. It was not a simple label: it was a profound description of the way of life that Jesus proposed.
The Way was both a physical and a spiritual path. It implied constant transformation, a journey toward the truth, a willingness to leave the old behind and open oneself to the mystery of the Kingdom of God.
“To walk is to follow the Way”
👣 Jesus, the quintessential wayfarer
Jesus didn’t write books or found buildings. Jesus walked. He crossed villages, deserts, mountains, and coastlines. His ministry was eminently itinerant. He taught on the roads, healed along the way, stopped to look into people’s eyes, listen, and touch. And he always moved forward. He never stayed in one place for too long.
His disciples literally followed him. They left their nets, their collection tables, their homes… and walked with him. The Christian life began like this: walking. Every step was a lesson, every path an opportunity to learn, serve, and be transformed.
“Jesus didn’t build temples: he walked among the people”.
Walking as a Spiritual Practice
1. Symbol of Humility, Openness, and Connection
Walking is the most human and humble thing to do. It requires no technology, money, or titles. Those who walk become part of their surroundings. They do not dominate the earth; they walk it with respect. Walking equalizes and connects us: with others, with oneself, with the sacred.
2. Metaphor of Conversion and Transformation
In the Bible, walking is synonymous with change: “Walk before me, and be perfect” (Genesis 17:1). Walking implies movement, evolution, leaving behind what no longer serves us. That is why so many miracles happen along the way. Because it is there, in the uncertain and the open, that the heart softens and is renewed.
“Faith does not sit down, it walks”.
3. Pilgrimages: Steps Toward the Sacred
From the earliest centuries, Christians understood that faith deepens when it is set in motion. Pilgrimages to holy places like Jerusalem, Rome, and later Santiago de Compostela were born. (Post THE PILGRIMAGE, AN ANCIENT PRACTICE; Future Post DISCURSIVE AND POETIC PILGRIMAGE). It wasn’t just the arrival: it was the journey that sanctified, that taught us to depend on God, on our neighbors, and on the rhythm of our own bodies.
The Modern Contradiction
We live in a sedentary age. Many Christians practice their faith from the couch or in the car, far from the sweat of the road. Spirituality has become intellectualized, institutionalized, and even virtualized. But… haven’t we lost something essential in the process?
How can we understand Christ walking among the olive trees if we never go out to walk among the trees? How can we talk about following if our feet don’t move?
This post is not a romantic nostalgia for the past, but an urgent call to Christians today: let us recover walking as an act of faith.
Walk every day with purpose, with attention, with gratitude. Walk to pray, to think, to listen. Walk with others, walk alone, walk with God. Recover the ancient paths of soul and body. Rediscover the spirituality of movement.
Because walking is not only healthy: it is profoundly Christian.
In recent years, science has begun to recognize the positive impact of trees on human health due to the volatile substances they emit, such as phytoncides, which strengthen the immune system and reduce stress (Post WALKING WITH THE TREES). But could something similar happen with pets? This is an idea that has not yet been fully explored, but could open a new line of research into the invisible benefits that animals offer those who walk with them.
In this post we present certain hypotheses throughout their development with the purpose of channeling actions to discover and demonstrate the healing power of the different substances emitted by animals and that some of us adopt as pets, an action that would facilitate the transmission of these healing influences.
Zempo y Puxtla
Emission of Biological Substances by Animals
We know that trees release phytoncides, volatile compounds with antibacterial and relaxing properties. To draw a parallel with animals, we could consider the following:
• Pheromones and other chemical signals:
Animals secrete pheromones for intraspecific communication (between individuals of the same species). Although these substances are designed to influence other animals, some studies have shown that humans can react to them unconsciously.
Example: The use of synthetic canine pheromones (such as Adaptil) has been investigated to reduce stress in dogs and it has been observed that they can also generate a more relaxed environment for humans.
• Animal microbiota and its environmental influence:
Animals transport and release beneficial bacteria into the environment. Living with dogs, for example, enriches the human intestinal microbiota, which could positively impact the immune system.
Hypothesis: If animals release beneficial microorganisms into the air (through breath, skin or fur), this could influence human health by strengthening their microbiome.
• Odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs):
Each species of animal has its own characteristic odor, derived from chemical compounds given off by its body. Could these compounds influence the psyche or well-being of humans?
Some studies have shown that the smell of certain animals, such as horses or dogs, can induce states of calm and reduce anxiety in people.
Influence of Animals on Human Health
Although there is no evidence that animals emit healing substances into the environment, multiple positive effects of their presence have been documented:
• Skin-to-skin contact effect:
Touching and stroking an animal can lower blood pressure and decrease cortisol, suggesting an indirect biochemical impact.
• Effect of body temperature and vibrations:
It has been documented that cats, when purring (25-50 Hz), generate vibrations that can stimulate bone and muscle healing. Could there be a correlation between exposure to these types of frequencies and cell regeneration in humans?
• Placebo effect and psychological well-being:
If we believe that the proximity of animals helps us, it is possible that our body reacts favorably to that expectation.
THE WALK: Stimulating factor.
The connection between movement and the emission of substances in pets
Just as humans release different substances through sweat and breathing when performing physical activity, it is logical to assume that animals also modulate the production and release of certain substances depending on their level of activity. During the walk, the pet’s body enters a state of metabolic activation that could influence the production of pheromones, natural oils in the skin, and even the composition of the microbiome that they share with their environment.
Various studies have shown that the microbiota of dogs, for example, can influence the microbiota of the humans with whom they live, promoting greater bacterial diversity in their owners. This exchange of microorganisms could be related to health benefits, from a better immune response to a lower incidence of allergies.
Pheromones and volatile organic compounds: a possible path to healing
Animals emit pheromones that play a fundamental role in their communication and behavior. Some of these substances have calming effects, such as the appeasing pheromones of dogs and cats, which are used in therapies to reduce anxiety in these animals. Although their effect on humans has not yet been thoroughly studied, it is plausible that exposure to these pheromones during walking has a positive impact on people’s emotional well-being.
On the other hand, there are volatile organic compounds that animals can emit through their skin, saliva or glandular secretions. When walking, the pet’s blood circulation accelerates, its breathing intensifies and its body temperature increases, which could enhance the emission of these beneficial substances.
The role of movement in activating these processes
The central hypothesis of this reflection is that movement (Walking) activates and amplifies the production and dispersion of these substances, just as occurs with trees and their phytoncides. When an animal is at rest, its metabolism operates at a basal rate, with minimal emission of compounds. But when walking, a dynamic process is generated in which your body interacts more intensely with the environment, allowing a greater diffusion of substances that could have positive effects on the humans who accompany you.
In addition, walking with a pet also involves exposing humans to new natural environments, which can favor the absorption of beneficial substances from both the animals and the environment itself. This reinforces the idea that the combination of movement, outdoors and animal companionship has a multifactorial impact on health.
Beyond dogs and cats: other pets with healing potential
Although dogs and cats are the most common pets that accompany humans on their walks, there are many other species that walk with people and that could be emitting substances with beneficial effects that have not yet been explored and therefore unknown. Some possibilities include:
• Birds: Breathing Pure Air. Birds’ metabolism and air filtration through their lungs could influence the quality of the environment in which they are found. Birds such as canaries and parrots not only brighten the environment with their song, but they could release substances through their plumage or their breathing. It is known that bird lungs are highly efficient at filtering air, which could influence the quality of the environment in closed spaces. Could the presence of certain birds improve oxygenation or air purification in the home?
• Fish and the Aquatic Environment. Although they do not accompany you on walks, the aquatic ecosystems in which they live generate compounds that could have relaxing effects on those who observe them. Aquariums have been associated with reducing stress and anxiety, but research on their biochemical impact is scarce. Aquarium water is known to contain microorganisms and natural compounds that can influence air quality. Could the presence of ornamental fish in an enclosed space generate effects similar to those of natural environments near water?
• Rodents: Pheromones and Close Contact. Hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits release pheromones that affect behavior and the chemistry of the environment. All of them have a close relationship with humans and can release pheromones that affect the chemistry of the home. It has been documented that guinea pigs can influence the emotional regulation of children and adults who caress them, reducing anxiety.
• Reptiles: Interaction with a Different World. Their skin and body temperature can influence the tactile perception and emotional state of their owners. Although reptiles, such as turtles and lizards, do not emit strong odors or have sweat glands, they can influence the environment through the temperature and texture of their skin. Contact with certain species can induce a state of calm or promote mindfulness, suggesting a possible indirect effect on mental health.
Hypotheses for the Future
If trees emit phytoncides and dogs influence the microbiota, it is possible that other species also interact with the environment and the human body in ways that are still unknown. Future science could explore how different animal species, through their breathing, skin or microbiome, can influence human well-being.
Conclusion: a new field of exploration for health and well-being
Interaction with animals is an inexhaustible source of benefits for humans. While science has demonstrated the positive effects of animal companionship on emotional and mental health, there is still much to discover about the physiological impact of the substances they emit. The idea that these substances can be enhanced through movement opens a fascinating door for future research.
Walking with a pet is not only an emotionally rewarding experience, but it could also be an invisible source of physical and mental well-being. The invitation remains open: let’s continue exploring, walking and discovering how nature and the living beings around us can influence our health in ways that we still do not fully understand.
For some time now, I have proposed walking on this blog as a natural mechanism for emotional restoration (Posts EMOTIONS AND THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM; THE POWER OF EMOTIONS; AUTOLIBERATION OF NEGATIVE EMOTIONS THROUGH SELF-SUGGESTIBILITY). Walking, more than just a physical exercise, is a process that momentarily unbalances the body so that it activates all its systems in search of a new equilibrium. This dynamic imbalance triggers a response in organs, glands, and neurotransmitters, which eventually reorganizes brain chemistry and promotes more stable mental states.
Throughout my explorations, I have identified a key element in this process: the ear, especially the vestibular system. This system is responsible for the body’s balance and, in my theory, also plays a crucial role in emotional and mental rebalancing.
However, I have discovered that there is another functional field that further enhances this effect: Speaking Out. In this post, I will integrate both practices into a single theory for improving mental health.
The Power of Movement: Walking to Heal the Mind
When we walk, our body not only moves in space; it also activates internal processes that directly influence our emotional and mental perception. Some of the effects of walking include:
1. Stimulation of the vestibular system: This system maintains physical balance, but also interacts with the central nervous system, influencing mood and perception of the environment.
2. Release of neurotransmitters: Prolonged walking stimulates the production of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, essential chemicals for mental well-being.
3. Interruption of negative patterns: The simple act of moving changes the dynamics of thinking, making mental rumination and loops of anxiety or depression more difficult.
4. Stimulation of the other external and internal senses
But how can we enhance this effect? This is where Speaking Out Loud comes in.
The Power of the Voice: Speaking to Reprogram the Unconscious
Speaking out loud has an impact that goes beyond simple verbal expression (Post WALK AND READ IN LOUD VOICE; Future Post WALKING WHILE READING POETRY ALOUD). Our auditory system not only allows us to hear external sounds but also processes our own voice(1), sending signals to the brain that can modify thought patterns and emotional states.
1. It prevents conscious repression: The unconscious can block certain thoughts when they remain only in the mind, but by verbalizing them out loud, we can break through that barrier.
2. It generates a reprogramming effect: Listening to our own words(1) reinforces the messages and helps retrain the mind, especially when we use phrases that convey what we really need to hear.
3. It facilitates catharsis: In psychoanalysis, catharsis is the process of releasing repressed emotions. Speaking out loud, while moving, can amplify this effect.
Integrating Both Elements: Walking and Speaking Out Loud
The central proposal of this theory is to combine walking with speaking out loud, so that the vestibular system and hearing work together to rebalance the mind. To apply this practice effectively, I recommend the following:
1. Walk at a natural pace: There’s no need to run or force yourself physically; the important thing is constant movement.
2. Speak out loud with specific phrases: Just any speech isn’t enough; they must be phrases that convey the message our subconscious needs to hear. Examples:
• I am balanced and at peace with my life.
• Everything in me is reorganized with every step.
• Every word I speak reshapes my mind.
3. Practice it in open spaces or with some privacy: This can be in parks, trails, or even in a room where we feel comfortable.
A New Vision for Psychological Therapy
This approach not only has personal applications, but could revolutionize the way we think about psychological therapy (Post PSYCHOANALYSIS AND THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM). Instead of the classic couch, we could imagine offices where the patient walks while the therapist speaks aloud, helping the auditory and vestibular systems actively work on their healing.
This is only a first approximation of the theory, which over time can evolve into a structured system with applications in psychology, neuroscience, and movement therapy.
Below, I describe a concrete and effective procedure for constructing the phrases we need to say out loud.
Method for Creating and Using Phrases that Rebalance the Mind
Speaking out loud is more than just an exercise in expression; it is a tool for mental reprogramming. But not all phrases have the same impact. For the mind to receive and incorporate them, they must meet certain requirements: they must be in tune with the individual’s emotional needs, be consistent with their internal processes, and, above all, be heard by their own ears so that the vestibular system activates their rebalancing effect.
The following procedure will help each person discover and construct their own healing phrases, guided by what their mind and body need at each moment.
Step 1: Inner Listening – Thought Catharsis
Before constructing positive phrases, it is necessary to empty the mind of repressed thoughts. Catharsis is an essential process in psychoanalysis because it allows us to release what is blocked. Here, we propose an aloud catharsis, which can be done in two ways:
1.1. Spontaneous Catharsis
• Find a place where you can speak out loud without interruptions (a room, a lonely park, your car).
• Without planning too much, start speaking out loud about what you feel, without censorship.
• Don’t worry about coherence; the important thing is to allow your voice to express what your mind has been repressing.
• If you feel resistance, use questions to unblock yourself:
– What’s worrying me right now?
– How am I really feeling?
– What part of me is seeking to be heard?
• Talk for at least 5 to 10 minutes straight. Don’t stop.
1.2. Writing Emotional Phrases
• After the spontaneous catharsis, write down the phrases or keywords that had the most impact on you.
• Ask: Which phrases did I repeat the most? Sometimes these repetitions reflect what the unconscious needs to release or transform.
• Also write down any negative or limiting phrases you detected.
Example:
• “I feel like I’m not moving forward in my life.”
• “I don’t have enough energy to do what I want.”
• “I don’t know if I’m enough.”
These phrases are the raw material for building transformative affirmations.
Step 2: The Transformation – Create Phrases with Real Impact
The goal is to turn negative or limiting phrases into positive and powerful phrases. It’s not about simple optimism, but phrases that resonate with the person’s reality and activate their change process.
To create a good phrase, follow these principles:
1. It must be in the present tense: The brain responds best to affirmations that it perceives as current.
o ❌ “I will be balanced one day.”
o ✅ “I am finding my balance right now.”
2. It must be affirmative and avoid negatives: The unconscious mind doesn’t process negatives well.
o ❌ “I don’t want to feel anxious.”
o ✅ “I am calm and clear now.”
3. It must have a tone of certainty, not desire:
o ❌ “I would like to feel strong.”
o ✅ “I am strong and I have everything I need.”
4. It should be short and easy to repeat: The shorter and more powerful, the better.
Examples of transformation:
• “I feel like I’m not moving forward in my life.” → “Every step I take moves me forward.”
• “I lack the energy to do what I want.” → “The energy in me is renewed with every breath.”
• “I don’t know if I’m enough.” → “I am enough just as I am.”
Make a list of three to five key phrases that you can repeat out loud while walking.
Step 3: Voice and Body – Applying the Phrases in Movement
Now that you have your phrases, it’s time to integrate them into your walk.
• Rhythm and Repetition: Walk at a comfortable pace and repeat the phrases out loud every few steps.
• Voice Projection: Don’t whisper; pronounce each phrase clearly and confidently.
• Active Listening: Pay attention to how your own voice sounds and how it resonates in your body.
Example Application:
1. Begin the walk with a deep breath.
2. Start with a general opening phrase, such as:
– “With each step, my mind and body are rebalanced”.
3. Then, alternate your key phrases, repeating them to the rhythm of your walk.
Do this for at least 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the combination of movement and sound to take effect.
Step 4: Expansion – Reading Aloud as Mental Nutrition
In addition to creating your own phrases, reading aloud can be another powerful way to nourish the subconscious with positive messages.
How to choose what to read aloud:
1. Select books that connect with what you need: Philosophy, inspirational literature, spiritual or scientific texts on well-being.
2. Avoid texts that reinforce negative states: Reading aloud amplifies what you express, so choose wisely.
3. Read with intention and clarity: It’s not just about reading, but about hearing your voice while reading.
Example of practice:
• Spend 5 to 10 minutes reading a passage aloud during your walk.
• If a phrase resonates with you, repeat it several times and make it part of your affirmations.
Conclusion: Turning It into a Transformative Habit
The entire method can be integrated into your daily routine in three simple steps:
1. Catharsis and Discovering Key Phrases (5-10 min)
2. Walking with Phrases Read Aloud (10-15 min)
3. Reading out loud, while walking, to reinforce (5-10 min)
This process not only helps rebalance the mind and body, but also strengthens the connection between movement, voice, and thought rewiring.
Walking is natural, the voice is our most powerful tool, and the combination of both can be the key to unlocking your negative emotional state and achieving a healthier and more balanced mental state.
I invite you to try this method and share your experience. How do you feel after practicing it? Which phrases have resonated with you?
If you’ve made it this far, I invite you to try this practice and share your experience. Do you feel changes when walking and speaking aloud? Do you notice improvements in your emotional state? Research is ongoing, and each step leads us to a better understanding of our own minds.
(1) It should be tested with voice recordings of people who accept us.
In an antique library whose shelves seemed to reach for the sky, Depression was crawling along with great difficulty; she looked restless. It was a dark figure, covered by a threadbare cloak that seemed to absorb all the light around it. She had arrived at that point in the library looking for some answers, attracted by a poem written in a language that seemed strange, almost archaic, to her. The poem was a mirror of her own existence, but its language, full of ancient words and complex phrases, was impenetrable to her.
She stood in front of a huge book open on a lectern with the lines of the poem written in sober, burnt ink. She got up with difficulty and began to read it. The words seemed to mock her, dancing in her mind without revealing their meaning.
-What didn’t you know? –Depression murmured, reading the first words aloud. Her voice echoed through the library, but instead of clarity, the phrase left an echo of confusion in the air.
She closed her eyes trying to understand. But the words seemed loaded with an intention that she couldn’t decipher. “Let’s be honest, tell our truths.” What did that mean? Who was talking? Was it the poem or someone else?
Depression sighed, frustrated. She felt ridiculous. Ridiculous because, despite being an entity as old as time itself, it could not understand the human language that it claimed to know so much. But also in parts, she felt helpless, grotesque, absurd, limited.
-What didn’t you feel? –She continued reading, with a slight tremor in her voice. The words spoke of shadows, of laws and chances of a loneliness that seemed familiar, but that still eluded her. She felt like a stranger in a world that should be hers.
The library began to respond to her.
The books began to whisper, in low and serious voices, from the different shelves where they were located.
-What don’t you know, Depression? –Said one of the oldest books.
-What don’t you want? –Added another, with a more accusatory tone.
Depression receded, feeling the full weight of the words fall on her. The lines of the poem intertwined with the whispers of the books, forming questions I didn’t know how to answer.
“I am a hidden cry,” she said out loud, repeating the words of the poem. Was that a description of herself? Or an accusation?
For a moment she felt that the verses were a reflection of her own nature. Was she not also a contradiction, a shadow that fed on fear and loneliness, but that sometimes seemed almost necessary?
-What do you not hate? –Asked the voice from a book behind her.
Depression turned around trying to locate the source, but all she found was her own reflection in a dusty mirror. The poem, like an echo, repeated the words in her mind.
“Your savage behavior is not fortuitous… you will suffer the danger of your own bonfire.”
She remained undaunted. For the first time she understood something: the poem was neither an attack nor a mockery. It was a desperate attempt by humans to understand her, to dialogue with her. And at the same time, it was a complaint. The words written in that ancient Spanish were a confrontation with her own essence, a battle between the human who suffered and the entity that caused that suffering.
“I will always lie to you…” She whispered, feeling a new weight in those words. Was she the one lying, or were the humans lying to her?
Depression was left lying on the ground, unable to solve the poem’s enigma. She felt trapped not only by the words she didn’t understand, but by the fact that those words seemed to expose her.
She came to the end of the poem, and it ended with a warning:
“Don’t look for me anymore, conciliation no longer exists here”
Could it be true? Had the humans decided to leave her behind, and find their own solution? For a moment, she felt a pang of fear. If they didn’t need it, what was the point of their existence?
But then, with a resigned sigh, she tried to stand up, but couldn’t. She hadn’t been able to fully understand the poem, but she could feel it. It was a challenge, yes, but also an invitation to reflect. Although the words remained a mystery, she understood that she had to continue reading until she reached the end. Maybe somewhere between the lines of the poem she would find answers about herself, that she didn’t even know what she was looking for.
She reached the end of the poem and was able to decipher the following: “Stand up, which is what we humans do when you are present, and walk. We walk long distances until we notice that you get bored and abandon us; you stay away from us for long periods.”
Depression managed to stand up and remained in the library reading the poem over and over again, walking and reading. Sometimes she felt ridiculous, but at the same time knowing that there was something deeply human in that ridiculousness.
I invite you to read my book, entitled ORPHEUS. THE DISGUISES OF DEPRESSION. Available on Amazon, Kindle edition: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0D81CP8LM
This post was born out of the need to know what substances are generated by walking at night or in any dark environment, and in this way know how beneficial night walks can be.
Walking at night offers a series of benefits, both physical and mental. It is an accessible and enjoyable activity that can improve our quality of life.
You should walk in both environments: day and night, with light or in the dark.
Night walks should be done in the dark but not dangerous, that is, there is some light, to have visibility and safety throughout the walk, preferably natural light (moon), not artificial. Let them be safe walks, preferably on known trails and without danger of tripping or falling, in semi-darkness.
Walking at night, in safe places, can be a very rewarding and beneficial experience for our physical and mental health. Let’s see what its advantages, disadvantages are and the care we must take:
Advantages of walking at night:
• Stress reduction: Contact with nature and darkness can help reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
• Improved sleep: Performing moderate physical activity before bed can help regulate sleep cycles and improve its quality.
• Strengthening the immune system: Regular exercise, such as walking, boosts the immune system, helping to prevent illness, whether during the day or night.
• Greater connection with nature: Observing the night sky, the sounds of the night, and the tranquility of the environment can provide us with a feeling of peace and connection with the natural world.
• Greater privacy: In some places, walking at night can offer more privacy and peace of mind than walking during the day.
• Relaxing effects: For some people, walking at night can have a relaxing effect and serve as a transition between daily activity and a night’s rest. This could help reduce stress and promote better sleep, positively aligning with your circadian rhythm.
• Impact on dark exposure: Walking at night can increase dark exposure, which is beneficial for melatonin production if done without exposure to artificial light. This could help adjust circadian rhythms to a more natural cycle, helping you fall asleep more easily after walking.
Disadvantages of walking at night:
• Safety risks: It is essential to choose safe routes that have some lighting, especially if you are walking alone.
• Increased risk of injury: Reduced visibility can increase the risk of tripping or falling.
• Difficulty maintaining a constant pace: Lack of natural light can make it difficult to perceive distance and terrain, which can affect the pace of your walk.
• Exposure to animals: In some areas, there may be a greater presence of nocturnal animals, which could represent a risk.
• Circadian Rhythms: Walking at night can influence circadian rhythms, which are the approximately 24-hour biological cycles that regulate various bodily functions, including sleep, wakefulness, hormone release, and other physiological functions. Here are some ways walking at night can affect circadian rhythms:
Ø Exposure to light at night: Exposure to light, especially high-intensity artificial light (such as blue light from screens), can delay the circadian rhythm. This means that walking under artificial light at night could interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, making you feel less tired and affecting the quality of your subsequent sleep.
Ø Desynchronization of the sleep-wake cycle: Walking at night can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle, especially if done close to normal bedtime. This could cause you to go to sleep later and disrupt your circadian rhythm, which could lead to a decrease in sleep quality and daytime alertness.
Ø Evening exercise: Physical exercise, such as walking, releases endorphins and increases body temperature. If done too close to bedtime, it can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep, which could disrupt your circadian rhythm. However, for some people, a gentle walk before bed can ease the transition to sleep.
In summary, the relationship between walking at night and circadian rhythms depends on factors such as light exposure, the timing of exercise, and the individual response to it. It can have both disruptive and beneficial effects, depending on how it is integrated into your daily routine.
Substances produced by the body during night walks:
• Endorphins: These hormones act as natural pain relievers and produce a feeling of euphoria and well-being.
• Serotonin: This neurotransmitter is related to mood, appetite and sleep. Physical activity increases its production.
• Oxytocin: Known as the love hormone, oxytocin reduces stress and promotes a feeling of social connection.
• Growth hormone: This hormone, essential for tissue repair and growth, is released during sleep and exercise.
Care when walking at night:
• Security:
Choose safe routes with sufficient lighting.
Inform someone about your route and return time.
Use reflective clothing and a flashlight.
Avoid isolated or low-traffic areas.
• Appropriate footwear: Use comfortable shoes with good traction to avoid slipping.
• Hydration: Carry a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated.
• Protection against insects: If you walk in areas with mosquitoes or other insects, use repellent.
• Weather: Check the weather conditions before going out and wear appropriate clothing.
Additional recommendations:
• Start gradually: If you are not used to walking at night, start with short distances and gradually increase.
• Walk with company: Walking with someone else can be safer and more fun.
• Enjoy the environment: Pay attention to the sounds, smells and sensations that nocturnal nature provides you.
Walking at night turns out to be an excellent way to relax, improve physical and mental health, and connect with nature. What we recommend is to take sufficient precautions to guarantee our safety and thus be able to fully enjoy these nighttime experiences.
Below are certain benefits of walking at night and how these night walks positively influence our mood.
1) Health benefits of walking at night:
In addition to the general benefits of exercise, walking at night offers specific advantages:
• Improved sleep: Exposure to sunlight during the day helps regulate the circadian rhythm and makes it easier to fall asleep at night. Walking outside before bed can enhance this effect, as long as it is not too close to bedtime.
• Stress reduction: The darkness, tranquility and connection with nature experienced when walking at night can help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
• Strengthening the immune system: Regular exercise, such as walking, stimulates the production of immune cells, helping to protect us from diseases.
• Weight management: Walking at night can be an excellent way to burn calories and help maintain a healthy weight.
• Cardiovascular health: Like any physical activity, walking improves heart health and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
2) Influence on mood:
Walking at night can have a positive impact on our mood in several ways:
• Reduction of anxiety and depression: Exercise releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as natural pain relievers and produce a feeling of well-being.
• Improved self-esteem: Achieving physical activity goals, such as walking a certain distance or increasing the frequency of walks, can increase self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Increased creativity: The solitude and tranquility of the night can encourage reflection and stimulate creativity.
• Connection with oneself: Walking at night can be an opportunity to disconnect from daily worries and connect with your thoughts and emotions.
The aforementioned benefits, in both scenarios, are achieved by walking at night, since they impact our body physically and mentally, and they also turn out to be an accessible and pleasant activity that can improve our quality of life.
