We are used to thinking that to really regenerate, you need a getaway in nature: a walk in the woods, a path through the meadows, or the silence of a landscape away from the urban frenzy. But even walking in the city can give us the same benefits as a trip to the countryside.
Walking through the buildings and feeling better
Psychologists have studied it for a long time: walking improves the mood, reduces stress, and helps to order your thoughts. And now we know that you don’t have to be surrounded by wild nature to experience this feeling. Even a walk in the center, among historic buildings, tree-lined squares, and windows, can be as good as a ride in the green.
The secret is walking with an open mind, observing the details, and letting yourself be surprised by what surrounds you. A city can offer unexpected visual and sensory stimuli: a colorful mural, the scents that come out of pastry shops, and the sunlight that is reflected from the windows of houses. Every detail can become a small moment of amazement. And that’s good for us: it slows down our thoughts, recharges our energies, and makes us feel present.
The power of small-scale urban exploration
Walking, everywhere, is good for the body and mood. But when we take the time to observe what surrounds us, something more happens: we feel part of the landscape. One of the most interesting effects of city walks is that of “urban wonder”, the same sense of openness and connection that you can find entering a large cathedral or getting lost in an old cemetery. These places remind us that we do not need to flee the city to find a little charm.
Strolling through the city’s historic districts and story-filled buildings can be as stimulating to your mind as walking in nature. It is an invitation to rediscover the city as a living place, poetic and full of surprises.
A daily practice that is good for the planet
Walking, in addition to being beneficial for the body and mind, is also a deeply sustainable gesture. No emissions, zero traffic, and no noise. It is the easiest way to live the journey with slowness, respecting the places we pass through.
And then, whether it is a holiday on foot or an aimless tour in the center of your city, the advice is the same: walk with curiosity, with a careful gaze and slow pace. You will discover that even between traffic lights and sidewalks, you can find some of the magic we often seek in the woods.
Cover image: photo by liggraphy via Pixabay
