The remarkable science of walking's feel-good effects

[canetoad]

24. I too love both walking and gardening

But there's something about walking - you kind of find a rhythm, set a manageable pace - and go for ever. Well, not for ever but you feel as if you could. It's almost hypnotic - an ambulatory meditation.

This sounds slightly silly but years ago I learned how to walk properly! Upright posture, focussing on your centre of gravity. Shoulders back, hips relaxed. Knees and ankles fluid and swinging easily. I once did a 35km hike in one day but I was in my 30s.

I don't mind a bit of hard yakka in the garden but the most relaxing and contemplative days are just pottering around. No plan, no big heavy jobs, just 'being' in the garden.