Walking through the storm

In the midst of national outrage over ghost flood control projects and corruption scandals—sham contracts, and squandered public funds—I turn to a quiet, accessible antidote: walking.

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I am overwhelmed by the exposes on systemic theft and public trust plummeting. The relentless news: ghost flood control structures, billions allegedly laundered through casinos, and citizens’ rage simmering. How can people be that overwhelmingly greedy while so much poverty and hunger still exist in our midst?

Amid this chaos, walking offers not just physical relief, but a subtle reclaiming of inner peace.

Many scientific studies have confirmed what walking does for physical and mental health. I’m sure many people know that by now, but let me remind those who may have given up walking for Netflix.

Walking lifts the mood within minutes. A walking routine doesn’t require hours to be effective. One study found that just six minutes of self paced walking significantly reduces fatigue, tension, confusion, and overall mood disturbance, while increasing energy. Faster pace enhances these benefits even more. Another breakdown from a health summary shows: After two minutes, blood circulation ramps up; after five minutes, mood begins to lift; after 10 minutes: stress hormones like cortisol start to decline; by 15 minutes, blood sugar drops; by 45 minutes, negative thoughts subside.