The Ancient Wisdom That Still Transforms Lives Today

Walk This May

“Walking is the man’s best medicine.”

“If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another
walk.”

Hippocrates, 460 BC

Hippocrates offered these ideas nearly 2,500 years ago. He’s believed to have lived to around 96 remarkably long for ancient Greece — and by all accounts, he practised what he preached.

This May, as part of National Walking Month and Walk This May, we’re looking back at what
might be the oldest prescription.

The Chief Medical Officer recommends just over 20 minutes of moderate activity per day. Growing evidence suggests that regular walking can support improved cardiovascular health, help with weight management, boost mental wellbeing, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. What made Hippocrates’ remedy so enduring is its simplicity. Walking has a lower barrier to entry than any other form of exercise or active travel. No equipment needed – just a comfortable pair of shoes. UK government data suggests walking far outweighs cycling as the nation’s preferred active travel choice. Our own BetterPoints data reflects a similar pattern — users tend to be more likely to walk than choose other active travel modes. Walking seems to fit into daily routines in a way that few other activities can.

Walk This May

At BetterPoints, we use behaviour change technology alongside more than 40 recognised Behaviour Change Techniques to help encourage, measure and sustain active travel. Our programmes have helped deliver an average 24% reduction in short car journeys, with some local authorities seeing upwards of 200% ROI.

Hippocrates seemed to understand something we’re still rediscovering today: that sometimes the simplest approaches can be among the most effective.

Walk This May is an invitation to help more people take up the oldest prescription in medicine.