National Walking Month takes place each May, and marks an ideal opportunity to step outside, and embrace the joys of a springtime stroll.
And if you’d like some company and support during your walk, you can join one of the walks organised by our monthly walking group in locations across Exeter, central and east Devon.
What are the benefits of walking for grief?
Grief is natural but can feel all-consuming. When you’re grieving it’s important to find ways to look after yourself.
Walking can help in many ways, including:
Improved mental and physical health
Many people report a decline in mental health when they are grieving, and a range of intense emotions that are difficult to deal with.
Walking increases blood flow to the brain and body, creating a boost to your mental health. It has a positive influence on the central nervous system, which is responsible for your stress response. Walking can literally calm your nerves, making you feel less stressed.
Physical symptoms of grief include exhaustion and lethargy; and aches and pains, such as headaches and back pain. Going for a gentle stroll outdoors can revive energy levels, and ease physical pains.
Walking is a low impact activity that is accessible to most people. And getting a dose of fresh air during a walk can work wonders for your immune system, which is often low during grief.
Sleep quality
It’s normal to have trouble sleeping when you are grieving. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help get your sleep back on track.
Levels of chemicals in your brain, including serotonin, stress hormones and endorphins, alter when you exercise, helping you to get better quality rest afterwards.
Walking outdoors, getting fresh air and sunlight, also helps these brain chemicals, enabling you to sleep better when you go to bed at night.
Connecting to the present
During grief, you’re often spending a lot of time thinking about the past, and your loved one.
Being out and about, walking in nature, helps you feel more connected to the present, and can have a wonderful calming effect.
Walking is a chance to really feel your surroundings – seeing, hearing, smelling, and touching the immediate environment around you, which helps you focus on the moment.
Easing loneliness
Walking with others can help you to form connections with people who understand the impact of grief. Walking side by side can make difficult conversations feel easier than talking face to face.
Hospiscare walking group
Hospiscare organises a monthly walking group which offers a gentle way for those who are grieving to find support, connect with others and take a well-earned break in the fresh air.
The groups meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 10.30am, for a two-to-three-mile gentle walk in locations across Exeter, central and East Devon..
May’s event is from Uplyme to Lyme Regis, and future walks include Otterton Mill in June, and Sidmouth Byes to Sidmouth in July.
Routes are along tarmac or well-made paths, wheelchair accessible, well signposted, and safe. Parking, refreshments and toilets are all easily accessible.
All walks are supported by Hospiscare volunteers, including a first aider.
For more information, please contact supportivecare@hospiscare.co.uk.
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