My girls always put up a fuss about walking. Ayla, at 10, says that it’s tiring, and Inaya…is a teenager…need I say more? 🙄 So imagine the reaction when I announced we’d be going on a family forest hike. Moans and groans, of course…but they didn’t last long...
It was an absolutely gorgeous day—late summer warmth, blue skies, stunning colours, and even salmon swimming upstream! It was wonderful to be together, exploring and enjoying it all.
As we soaked in the scenery, I couldn’t resist a good learning opportunity. I asked the kids to list all the reasons why walking is good for them. They rattled off the usual benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health. Being the Soapbox nerd that I am, I couldn’t help but add one more:
Walking improves presentations!
Yes, I really said that!
I’ve said it before, but after this weekend's experience, I’m bring it up again because it’s just that powerful. Here's why:
As I always say, mindset shapes how we communicate. You can have strong content and great slides, but if you're nervous or distracted, it shows.
Walking helps me manage the stress of presentations, workshops, and life in general. And it doesn’t just calm my nerves; it helps me approach my work - and my day - with renewed energy.
A positive mindset fuels confidence, creativity, and focus — all very valuable as you prepare your talk. Research backs this up:
🔎 A study published in the journal Health Psychology found that individuals who engaged in regular walking reported lower stress levels and improved emotional health (Biddle et al., 2015).
🔎 A study from Stanford University found that walking boosts creative thinking, both during the walk and shortly after, with participants' creative output improving by about 60% compared to when they were sitting (Oppezzo & Schwartz, 2014).
🔎 A study published in Harvard Business Review found that moderate exercise like walking enhances cognitive function, leading to better problem-solving and productivity. This is partly because it helps reduce mental fatigue and boosts focus (Beck, 2015).
So here’s my advice: Take a hike! Even if just for 10 minutes, get out there and get movin’. Make a habit of it. And if you're enjoying Autumn where you are, seize the moment before it’s gone!
Whether it’s a forest hike or a quick stroll around the block, walking can help you feel better, work better, and even present better, too.
By the way, my kids ended up having so much fun on our hike, as usual. Inaya—the teenager—even asked if she could go back with her friends! Parents, I know you're high-fiving me right now! ✋🏼 😝
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