International Walking Day (19/06)

A very unusual holiday and very relevant for people living in the frantic rhythm of the modern world, – International Walking Day – is celebrated in mid-June. The Internet indicates two dates for its celebration – on June 15 or 19. The second – is the most common.

So, International Walking Day, or Leisure Walk Day, is a – holiday that calls for assessing the importance of such a seemingly obvious, but forgotten way to relax, relieve stress or just nervous tension, like walking.

For many people living in modern megacities, objective reality has set very high rates of life, which cannot but affect the state of the nervous system. Statistics show with confidence that systematic stress and depression have already become a stable characteristic of the nervous system of city residents.

Not wanting to slow down the pace of life and reconsider priorities, many are trying to solve these problems with the help of medications. Fortunately, in recent years, passion for sports and the desire for a healthy lifestyle have been gaining popularity. One of the effective ways to combat stress, oddly enough, is a regular walk through a park or forest, going out into nature.

It was the desire to emphasize the importance and accessibility of this simple way of distracting yourself at least briefly from the problems and bustle that prompted the initiators and activists to celebrate International Walking Day annually. Moreover, it is in June, when warm sunny weather already prevails, facilitating walks in the fresh air.

Photo: © AllaSerebrina/Photobank Photojenica

According to another version, the date of the holiday on June 19 was chosen due to the fact that it was on this day that it was first held in the 1970s in the US state of Michigan. Founder of the holiday U.T. Rabe proposed Walking Day in response to the popular jogging, deliberately emphasizing the desire to slow down the already rapid pace of life.

Supporters of celebrating Walk Day appeal to all humanity, offering not only on this day, but in general to go out into nature as often as possible and spend at least a little time there – is a great way for solitude and peace or friendly conversation.

Supporters of the holiday include its accessibility for everyone among the advantages of walking, since you just need to set aside time (with a psychological attitude not « to the detriment of business», but « for the good of health»), and also decide on a place, although even in cities there are enough squares and parks, not to mention the suburbs. This method of rest will not require any material costs, and its benefits will more than recoup the time spent. Walking will not only help relieve stress, but will also become a good stimulant of attention, memory and brain activity, improve appetite and normalize sleep.

Have a nice walk!



• Infographics – poster «June 19 — International Walking Day» • Story «What to do if you're tired of everything»

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