UAE summer evenings wear you out? One quick habit to ease stress and lift your spirits

The day was long. Your inbox was overflowing. Your posture was somewhere between a question mark and a crumpled receipt. But before you collapse onto the sofa, here’s a gentle nudge: go for a 25-minute brisk walk.

That’s it. No equipment, no apps, no booking required. Just you, a pair of sneakers, and the nearest sidewalk, mall corridor, or community walking track.

It may sound simple, but walking is one of the most effective, underrated workouts out there. As Mathilde Valade, an osteopath at Dubai’s Wellth Clinic, says, a daily brisk walk boosts cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, improves muscle strength, and keeps chronic illnesses at bay. “It strengthens muscles, especially in the legs, and enhances joint flexibility,” she explains.

Backed by science, too: A study in Mental Health and Physical Activity found that 25 minutes of brisk walking, three times a week, can significantly reduce stress, improve memory, and boost energy. Harvard Medical School even calls walking a secret weapon for heart health and joint mobility.

There’s more. Studies from the University of Exeter reveal that even a 15-minute walk can curb chocolate cravings and reduce emotional eating during stressful moments. Meanwhile, research by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute shows walking enhances blood flow, oxygenation, and vascular function—and may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.

And if you live in the UAE, where summer heat is no joke, post-sunset strolls or mall laps make walking the most realistic “workout” for busy professionals. It’s movement that feels doable, not punishing—and it still delivers the rewards.

 So the next time you think you’re too tired to move, try this one thing. You might just walk your way into a better mood, better health, and a better night’s sleep.