Did you ever notice that when you walk with a slow, heavy pace, you feel more depressed? Or that when you walk with a confident stride, you feel more positive and empowered? It’s not just a coincidence.

Our body language and walking style have a significant impact on our emotions and overall well-being. In this article, we will explore the relationship between our walking style and our emotions, and what we can do to improve our mood and enhance our mental health by changing the way we walk.

Walking and Body Language

Walking is more than just a way of locomotion. It is a powerful form of nonverbal communication that conveys a wide range of emotions and intentions.

Our walking style is a part of our body language, which is the way our bodies express our thoughts and feelings without words. When we walk, we send signals to others and ourselves, and we receive feedback from our environment that influences our mood and behavior.

Body language experts distinguish between two types of walking styles – closed and open. Closed walks are characterized by a slouched posture, downward gaze, slow pace, and minimal arm movement.

Open walks, on the other hand, involve an upright, confident posture, forward gaze, fluid stride, and expressive arm swing. Closed walks are associated with negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, and fear, while open walks are linked to positive emotions such as happiness, confidence, and enthusiasm.

The Psychology of Walking Style

Our walking style influences our emotions and mental health through several psychological mechanisms. One of the main mechanisms is embodied cognition, which is the idea that our bodily experiences shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

When we walk with a closed style, we embody negative emotions, and our brain receives feedback that reinforces those emotions. Similarly, when we walk with an open style, we embody positive emotions, and our brain associates that experience with positivity.

Another mechanism is the feedback loop between our body and mind. When we feel confident, happy, or empowered, our brain releases hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, which enhance our mood and motivation.

These positive emotions lead us to walk with a more open style, which in turn reinforces those emotions and creates a positive feedback loop. Conversely, when we feel depressed, anxious, or defeated, our brain releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which make us more prone to walk with a closed style, perpetuating the negative emotions.

Walking and Mental Health

The way we walk can have a profound impact on our mental health and well-being. Numerous studies have shown that walking can alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and improve mood, self-esteem, and cognitive function.

However, not all walks are created equal, and the effect of walking on mental health depends on the style, pace, and context of the walk.

Walking with an open style has been found to be particularly effective in enhancing positive emotions and reducing negative emotions.

A study by Oppezzo and Schwartz (2014) found that participants who walked with an open style on a treadmill reported higher levels of creativity and positive affect than those who walked with a closed style. Another study by Michalak et al. (2009) found that people who walked with a brisk, purposeful stride for 30 minutes had higher levels of positive affect and lower levels of negative affect than those who walked with a leisurely pace.

Walking in nature, also known as ecotherapy, has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and improving mood and cognitive function. A study by Berman et al.

(2012) found that participants who walked in a natural setting for 90 minutes had lower levels of rumination, a cognitive process associated with depression, than those who walked in an urban setting. Another study by Li and colleagues (2018) found that forest bathing, which involves walking and immersing oneself in nature, improved mood and reduced stress hormones in healthy adults.

Improving Walking Style for Better Mood

If you want to improve your mood and mental health, one of the simplest and most accessible ways is to change your walking style. Here are some tips on how to do it:.

Practice Good Posture

Good posture is the foundation of an open walking style. Stand tall, with your head up, shoulders back, chest out, and hips aligned. Keep your gaze forward, at eye level, and avoid looking at the ground.

Engage your core muscles to support your spine and keep your balance. When you walk with good posture, you feel more confident and energized, and you convey that confidence to others.

Swing Your Arms

Arm swing is an important part of an open walking style. Your arms should swing naturally at your sides, in line with your body, not too high or too low.

Avoid crossing your arms or holding them tightly against your body, as it signals a closed and defensive attitude. When you swing your arms, you release tension from your upper body and improve your balance and coordination. Moreover, arm swing is linked to cognitive function, as it activates the hemispheres of the brain and enhances creativity and problem-solving.

Take Longer Strides

Stride length is another factor that affects your walking style. Long strides convey confidence, purpose, and energy, while short strides signal hesitation, insecurity, and fatigue.

When you take longer strides, you engage your leg muscles more, which improves blood circulation and oxygenation, and releases tension from your hips and lower back. However, don’t overdo it, as excessive stride length can strain your joints and cause injury. Find a comfortable and natural stride that suits your fitness level and terrain.

Breathe Deeply

Breathing is an essential aspect of walking and mood regulation. When you breathe deeply and rhythmically, you enhance your oxygen intake, lower your heart rate, and reduce stress hormones.

Deep breathing also promotes mindfulness and relaxation, as it focuses your attention on the present moment and calms your thoughts. To breathe deeply while walking, inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of two, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six.

Conclusion

Our walking style is an important aspect of our body language and mental health. By changing the way we walk, we can improve our mood, confidence, and well-being, and convey positive signals to others.

Walking with an open style, good posture, arm swing, long strides, and deep breathing can enhance our positive emotions and reduce negative emotions, while walking in nature can provide additional benefits. So, next time you go for a walk, pay attention to your walking style, and try to make some adjustments that suit your personality and goals. Your body and mind will thank you.