Basically, the message is that walking keeps you young! How does this happen? Is it just research done by Nike to get us to buy more trainers? Well, no it isn't. It turns out there is some solid research behind this.

International neuroscience expert Professor Anthony Hannan from Melbourne's Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health says:

"The brain is the only organ in the body that never stops developing and, although it sounds extraordinary, an ordinary activity such as walking helps to keep it developing."

We have the same genome as our hunter-gatherer ancestors who were active and had to roam the savanna looking for food. It is only recently that humans have started to use cars and sit at desks. We have not adapted to this inactivity that our modern lifestyle promotes. Really, our bodies still want to be active and moving around - perhaps not hunter-gathering though!

Physical activity generates chemicals in the brain which help to create new neurons and nerve pathways. These changes are visible on MRI scans. This boost to the brain improves learning and memory and basically keep the brain young and agile.

This year a study by the universities of Cambridge, Ulster and Limerick analysed over 50,000 walkers and showed walking was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.

Walking at a normal pace was associated with a risk reduction of 20% and walking at a brisk pace was associated with a risk reduction of 24%.

As you can see, just walking more at a normal pace has significant benefits both on physical health and also keeps the brain responsive and dynamic.

Hippocrates described walking as "man's best medicine". So, let hypnotherapy help you pick up your pace a little to help gently improve your health and well-being, step by step.