5 benefits of walking for anyone who wants to do the Camino de Santiago

1. Creativity: the first of the benefits of walking

“All great ideas come from a walk.” Friedrich Nietzsche

Nietzsche wrote this in one of his books and, in fact, he was not alone. Studies confirm the link between walking and solving problems, rather than waiting for the answer at your desk. That is because the brain is always active, even when we relax. So many creative people had rituals that made them leave work and head out into nature.

Steve Jobs, for example, believed that walking was the best way to come up with new ideas. In fact, the Apple headquarters now has spaces designed for exactly that.

John Cleese, of Monty Python, also explains this process in a book on creativity. At university, he says, he never liked the first draft of the sketches he wrote. However, after a break, such as a walk, he would return to the text and transform it. In short, perhaps all you need for great ideas is fresh air and movement.

2. More energy throughout the day

Yawning in the middle of the day? Then try a short 15-minute walk. It often works better than the coffee you grab when you get to the office.

It sounds strange, because exercise should tire you out. Even so, studies show that physical activity:

• increases the oxygen in your blood and so makes you more alert;
• raises your heart rate, as a signal that your body is ready for action;
• boosts the production of energy-related hormones, such as cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine.

So a simple walk can make the difference between a productive day and a sluggish afternoon.

3. The benefits of walking for your mental health

Exercise helps body and mind to regulate themselves. According to several studies, a few brisk steps are enough to lift your mood, lower the risk of depression and boost your wellbeing.

As we have seen, when you move, your body releases hormones that fight stress and anxiety. For example, serotonin, endorphins and dopamine, which are linked to psychological vitality.

Even better if you walk away from the city. After all, away from the hustle and bustle, the brain rests more fully. With no distractions, no noise and barely any signal, you return to daily life with your focus restored and a sense of peace.

4. Discovering places you would never otherwise see

This benefit gets talked about less. When you leave your usual area, you open the door to places you never imagined. In fact, anyone who has walked the Camino de Santiago knows that it is the landscapes that make us dream of the ancient trail.

However, there are also forests, woods and parks to explore close to home. You just have to look. And if you do not feel comfortable going alone, join a walking group, because they are more and more popular.

In Sintra, for example, the Caminheiros Monte da Lua walk the local trails every week, always with someone in charge of the route. In Évora, meanwhile, there is a walking group with 10 years of experience, whose activities often follow the cultural calendar of the city and district.

5. A low-impact exercise

Another benefit is a lower risk of injury. Unlike running, walking is a low-impact sport, which means it puts less pressure on your body. Because your feet strike the ground with less force, you avoid problems such as back pain.

Even so, when you walk, you still need to keep an eye on the road and your surroundings.

Tips for walking safely

• Choose pedestrian-friendly areas and avoid roads with no pavement or poor visibility.
• In forests or mountains, always go with company and with someone who knows the route.
• At night or at dawn, always wear a reflective vest so that drivers can see you.
• Invest in good footwear, because it prevents injuries.
• Drink water during and after your walk.
• Apply sun cream generously, even on foggy days.

To choose the right shoes, also read how to choose the best footwear for the Camino de Santiago.

The benefits of walking on the Camino de Santiago

The list does not end here. Walking gives you the strength to carry your backpack on the trail to Santiago. Besides, it inspires you to live more and better adventures throughout your life.

If the Camino is already in your plans, start with training walks. Then follow our guide on how to prepare for the Camino de Santiago, with a three-phase training plan. And if you think walking is not for you, read the Portuguese Camino with Francisco, who went from disliking walking to becoming a pilgrim.

And you, what benefits do you feel when you walk? Tell us what we missed.

Frequently asked questions about the benefits of walking