Neuroscientist Reveals The Shocking Science & Benefits of Taking a Simple Walk | Mel Robbins Podcast

(ticking sound) I'm really curious to hear what you think of our topic, because you and I are going to dig into the science of walking. Yep, (laughs) you heard it. We're going to talk about the extraordinary benefit to your mind, body, and spirit, to creativity, to longevity that comes from simply taking a walk every day. Hey, it's your friend Mel, and welcome to the Mel Robbins podcast. When I started the Mel Robbins podcast several months ago, I had this very clear idea in my mind that our conversations twice a week would feel like a walk with a good friend. You know when you go for a walk with a good friend? You are always in a better mood, you learn something interesting, you laugh, maybe you cry, you always get a recommendation about something, and you leave the experience feeling more connected and more energized and as if you're not the only person going through whatever you're going through. And so today, I'm really curious to hear what you think of our topic, because you and I, on this metaphorical walk, are going to dig into the science of walking. Yep, (laughs) you heard it. We're going to talk about the extraordinary benefit to your mind, body, and spirit, to creativity, to longevity that comes from simply taking a walk every day. And we're not going to do this at a common sense level. I've called in an expert. Yep, there is an expert, he's over in Ireland, his name is Dr. Shane O'Mara. He's not just an expert on walking, this guy is a neuroscientist. He's the professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College in Dublin. That's not all. He's the director of the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and a member of the academic staff of the School of Psychology, and he wrote the best-selling book, In Praise of Walking, where he digs into the extraordinary number of studies that have been done on the act of walking, the benefits it has in your life, and why you need to get up off the couch, get your butt out the door, and start taking more walks. In fact, I'd like you to do it every single day of your life. I can't wait for you to meet him. I can't wait for you to learn from him. He's so delightful. Maybe it's his Irish accent, maybe it's because he takes a walk every day, I don't know, but why don't we welcome Dr. Shane O'Mara to the Mel Robbins podcast. Dr. Shane O'Mara, how are you?

I'm very good, thank you. Delighted to be here.

Ah, I'm delighted that you're here. So, Shane, I was, you know, leaving home yesterday and, to come down to do a bunch of stuff, an interview and, and I, my husband says, "So, who are you interviewing tomorrow on the podcast?" And I said, "Oh, I'm interviewing Dr. Shane O'Mara. He is a neuroscientist. He has written all these books, and one of his books is about the science of walking." And my husband looks at me and he goes, "There is somebody that has studied the science of walking? Are you serious?" And I said, "Yes, I know." So, I have to ask you, why did you write a book about walking? Like, what made you want to do this?