Emotional Regulation & Movement

How Walking Can Help Reduce Anxiety

Emotional regulation refers to the ability to understand, process, and respond to emotions in a balanced way. When emotional regulation becomes more difficult, individuals may experience anxiety, overwhelm, irritability, or persistent worry.

Research shows that physical activity is associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improved emotional stability (Stubbs et al., 2017). Movement influences the autonomic nervous system, helping regulate the stress response and reduce physiological arousal. This means the body is able to settle more easily, supporting a calmer and more balanced emotional state.

Walking can be particularly helpful because it involves rhythmic left-right movement, which can support nervous system regulation. This bilateral stimulation is also used within EMDR-informed therapy to help the brain process experiences and reduce emotional intensity.

Many clients attending walk & talk therapy in Greenwich SE10 and Blackheath SE3 report that being outdoors feels less intense than sitting in a therapy room. Walking side-by-side in Greenwich Park can make it easier to talk openly, reflect, and process experiences at a comfortable pace.

By supporting emotional regulation, walk & talk therapy can help individuals feel calmer, more grounded, and better able to cope with anxiety, stress, and life challenges.

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References

Stubbs, B., Vancampfort, D., Smith, L., Rosenbaum, S., Schuch, F., & Firth, J. (2017). Physical activity and anxiety: A systematic review. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27802893/

Mandolesi, L., et al. (2018). Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 509.

Schuch, F. B., et al. (2016). Exercise as a treatment for depression. Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395616300383