In the fourth century, Saint Augustine is said to have coined the phrase solvitur ambulando - It is solved by walking.

Our ancestors understood the mental health benefits of a stroll - for contemplation, inspiration and helping to make sense of life’s challenges. Of course, Saint Augustine lived long before the invention of the bicycle, car or aeroplane. Travelling by foot was the default option. Nevertheless, centuries on, walking is a simple and free way to improve our wellbeing.

Desk bound

In the digital age of the 21st century, we lead sedentary lifestyles. Since Covid, increasing numbers of us work from home for at least part of the week. It’s tempting to spend the whole day in your slippers, never leaving the house.

The result? Too many hours sitting at a desk or kitchen table, hunched over a laptop. Digital eye strain is having a significant impact on the visual comfort and productivity of UK workers. The College of Optometrists found around 40% of adults may experience significant visual symptoms from viewing electronic screens.

Sore eyes are only part of the problem: according to a 2022/23 report by the Health and Safety Executive, 473,000 workers have work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in Britain. Working from home can also lead to a sense of isolation and anxiety, with no valve for relieving the pressures of deadlines and increased targets. Indeed, anxiety, depression and work-related stress now affects around 875,000 workers, according to the Mental Health Foundation. The good news is that walking can help alleviate all these conditions.

Urban landscapes

The lockdowns of 2020/21 gave us a greater appreciation of the healing power of nature and the great outdoors. For those living in towns and cities, a ramble in the hills or along the coast, are only realistic during weekends, or holidays. And, if you have mobility issues, countryside terrain can be challenging.

By contrast, walking in many urban areas is becoming increasingly accessible. Many town planners are reversing the car-dominated streets of the past to make walking and wheeling the most sustainable and prioritised forms of transport.

Here in the City of London - the historic and financial centre of our capital - it is a pleasure leading walking tours around its ancient streets and alleyways, even Bank Junction since the implementation of its new pedestrian priority streets programme.

In the face of a climate crisis, London and many other UK cities are also creating more green spaces and promoting biodiverse habitats for the benefit of workers, residents, wildlife. A walk in a green environment is so much more enjoyable. There’s growing evidence to support the link between access to green spaces and positive health outcomes. Researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School [1] carried out a project over 18 years which found people living near to green space reported less mental distress, even after adjusting for income, education and employment.