“Solo walks keep me sane. I take one every day and, when I can, I head to Mam Tor in the Peak District, where I first started walking as a child with my dad – one of my most special places. Walking alone I can escape my thoughts or think through problems: I don’t plug in headphones, so I can relish the solo experience. It’s my therapy, and an opportunity to observe people and interact on what I call an “eye-smiling basis”; a little nod or hello to strangers in passing. Humans need time in green spaces to thrive – we understand nature’s fractal patterns innately; it soothes our minds and refreshes our outlook. I walk backwards for about 20% of my solo walks, which gets me strange looks from people. But it’s good for the hips and balance, uses more energy, and helps with anxiety, apparently.” Walk Yourself Happy by Julia Bradbury is published 14 September ….

Click here to read the full article … …