This conversation was first released in November 2019. When was the last time you gave any real thought to walking? It’s so easy to put one foot in front of the other. Yet this unique, underrated activity sets us apart from other species, and brings incredible advantages – yes, superpowers – if we do it enough. My guest on this week’s podcast is the neuroscientist Shane O’Mara, a professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College Dublin. After reading his remarkable new book, In Praise of Walking: The New Science of How We Walk And Why It’s Good For Us, I couldn’t wait to talk to him about the topics it raises. Shane has always been a keen walker and aims to clock 15,000 to 17,000 steps each day on his pedometer. But as we discuss, the positive effects of walking go way beyond the fitness benefits we all know about. Walking helps more than our hearts and lungs, our muscles and posture, yet modern, sedentary lives mean we’re doing far less of it than nature intended. It can increase creativity and problem solving, lift our mood and protect us from depression. Shane reveals how it helps learning, memory and cognition and how it can slow and even reverse the functional ageing of the brain. All this science, he hopes, will help convince town planners and public health officials that we must redesign our environments with pedestrians in mind. This is such an enlightening conversation and I know you’ll gain some fascinating new perspectives on how you could (and why you should) fit more walking into your life. Why not head out for a stroll as you listen?Thanks to our sponsors:https://www.athleticgreens.com/livemorehttps://www.leafyard.com/livemorehttps://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemoreOrder Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgpSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/271DISCLAIMER: 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. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

In this episode, a renowned Oxford-trained neuroscientist teaches you the most incredibly simple, science-backed hack that will change every single part of your life in just 10 minutes. Professor Shane O’Mara, academic writer, author, and Experimental Brain Researcher at Trinity College in Dublin, walks us through the mind-blowing research behind, of all things, walking. You’ll be shocked to learn how the right kind of walking can lower depression and anxiety without medication. Professor O’Mara explains 3 different types of walking: one way will boost your creativity, another will make you more productive, and a third way will make you a rockstar problem solver. You’ll also learn about the incredible cognitive, mechanical, and physiological chain reaction that happens in your brain and body during a simple walk. The research and neuroscience will empower you to use walking to help you: Conquer your fears.Make your brain younger.Reduce your stress and feel happier.Double the number of your creative ideas.Be more focused and productive at work.Turn off anxious thoughts.Decrease inflammation in your body.Improve your relationship with yourself and others.  If you’re short on time, bullshit. Put your earbuds in and get outside. Are you ready? Hit play, and let’s walk. Xo, Mel In this episode, you’ll learn: 05:29: Want a younger brain? Start moving.  09:48: You won’t believe these benefits of a 10-minute walk. 11:29: Is your environment working against you? 16:28: Here’s how walking is just as good, if not better, than your antidepressant.17:20: This is what happens when you get outside and into nature.20:50: What the heck is a “walking mind”?23:54: Walking makes you more creative if you do this.31:34: Turn up your energy while you walk using this incredible metaphor.32:56: The shocking study that explains how walking changes your personality.36:07: Don’t have enough time for a walk? I call BS. Here’s why.39:00: Professor O’Mara suggests your walking routine should look like this.42:32: 5 easy ways to get in more steps every day.47:03: This is why you want to make it a habit to walk at night.52:06: Feel like you don’t belong? Here’s how walking can help.    Disclaimer

Shane O’Mara, a renowned neuroscientist and best-selling author, shares insights on the transformative power of walking. He discusses how walking boosts brain health, enhances creativity, and aids digestion. O'Mara highlights the alarming drop in daily steps compared to our ancestors and its impact on heart health and longevity. He emphasizes that walking is not only essential for physical well-being but also crucial for mental health, combating anxiety and depression while promoting resilience. It's time to lace up and step into a healthier future!