National Walking Month in the UK takes place annually in May. The initiative encourages people to embrace walking as a form of exercise and a way to improve their overall health and well-being. It’s an initiative led by organisations like the charity Living Streets, aiming to raise awareness about the benefits of walking and to inspire individuals and communities to incorporate more walking into their daily routines. Throughout the month, various events, campaigns, and initiatives are organized to promote walking and to encourage people to explore their surroundings on foot.
Claire Horsgood, Vice President of Operations and Growth at MAC Clinical Research is participating in National Walking Month. Read on to find out why she has taken part in the initiative.
Q: What motivated you to participate in National Walking Month?
Since moving house last summer I’ve not really had chance to explore the local countryside. I’ve recently adopted a young dog so now I’m perfectly placed to carve out the time to get moving, enjoy the area and exercise the dog at the same time.
Q: How do you plan to incorporate more walking into your daily routine this month?
I will walk for 45 minutes before and after work and factor it into my routine, so it actually happens!
Q: How has incorporating more walking into your routine affected your overall mood and mental well-being?
Fresh air and exercise really are free health benefits. I do a lot of my “blue sky thinking” and work-related planning when walking and always return home refreshed and clear headed.
Q: Can you share any specific moments or experiences during your walks that have had a positive impact on your mental health?
Where I live seems to be akin to a day at Crufts, with lots of friendly dog walkers around.
I’ve had a few really lovely conversations with local people, focused on our dogs but leading into other areas of life. Sometimes these conversations are with perhaps more isolated older local people who seemed to genuinely enjoy my company for a few minutes, wandering the old train lines where I live. It felt good to share time with them.
Interested in making connections with likeminded people, AND helping to advance health?
You can also help improve people’s health by volunteering for clinical trials covering a wide range of conditions as well as a healthy volunteer. Contributing to clinical research is incredibly valuable and can make a real difference in improving healthcare outcomes for everyone. If you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial and helping to advance healthcare, you can register for one of MAC’s clinical trials via our current trials webpage.
If you are eligible for one of our clinical trials, you may receive financial reimbursement for your time and commitment. You will also receive travel expenses and a full health check-up from our specialist team.
