Why People Who Walk Faster Can Often Be Less Happy

We start walking faster than our parents or grandparents used to, according to a study. Traveling 18 meters on foot now takes one second less than ten years ago. And while walking is generally considered healthy, it can say something about a person’s state of mind.

We were curious about the other side of brisk walking, as a lifestyle, and we found thought-provoking information that can make you pay attention if you are in a constant rush.

Because Living In A Rush Can Be Bad For Our Health

Why People Who Walk Faster Can Often Be Less Happy© ABACA/EAST NEWS, © ABACA/EAST NEWS, © Black Sheep/Eliot/East News, © Black Sheep/Eliot/East News

While walking and an active lifestyle are good for our health, there is another part. A survey examined walking speed in 32 countries and found that modern life pushes us to live fast and in a hurry.

It can be very stressful and even have some negative effects on our heart condition, experts say.

Why People Who Walk Faster Can Often Be Less Happy© MEGA/Mega Agency/East News

Professor Richard Wiseman conducted an interesting experiment. His team measured the time it took 35 men and 35 women to walk down the sidewalk holding a cell phone and struggling with shopping bags.

The bottom line is that when you speed a person up, they stop taking care of themselves. With all these calls and emails, we may not be aware of what is going on around us. And if someone doesn’t respond to you in 20 minutes, you can start thinking “What’s that all about?”

Why People Who Walk Faster Can Often Be Less Happy© TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP/East News, © LGjr-RG/PacificCoastNews/BWP Media/East News

According to Wiseman, there are some signs that you should slow down and relax more for your own happiness:

  • You can speak very fast
  • You feel like rushing someone, when it takes a long time to get to the point
  • You are the first person to finish your meal
  • You get frustrated when you get caught behind other people while walking down the street.
  • Gets irritated if you sit for an hour doing nothing
  • You leave restaurants or shops, even if there is a short line

Because You Can Be Chronically Multitasking

Why People Who Walk Faster Can Often Be Less Happy© Manuel Munoz, PacificCoastNews.com /EAST NEWS, © Kaffee/Monnier, PacificCoastNews/EAST NEWS

There’s nothing wrong with multitasking, but psychologists say that when that quality becomes chronic, it doesn’t always lead to more efficient use of time.

You just get overwhelmed with things to do and can make mistakes. We meet deadlines on our own and then we run.

As a result, we walk faster and speak faster. The emotional impact of this stress can be enormous, causing disappointment and sadness.

Why People Who Walk Faster Can Often Be Less Happy© Instagram/Sipa USA/East News

If you feel overwhelmed with too many tasks at the same time, experts suggest some techniques that can help you be more relaxed:

  • Get into the habit of leaving early, if you feel very stressed when you are late.
  • Prioritize your tasks.
  • Limit your usage time and remember that it’s okay to reply a little later, you don’t need to reply immediately all the time.

How fast do you walk? What do you notice about the walking styles you have? Please share your experience with us!

Preview photo credit ABACA/EAST NEWS, Black Sheep/Eliot/East News