Walk for Joy this Spring
Partner study proves hiking cuts stress by 30%
May 5, 2026
A new scientific study out today reveals the simple act of walking outdoors for 30 minutes can result in a 46 per cent increase in positive mood, a 30 per cent reduction in negative stress signals (stress) and 23.5 per cent increase in being mentally recharged (restoration).
Dr Jack Lewis, one of the UK’s leading neuroscientists, has released a Joy of Walking study based on the latest electroencephalogram (EEG) research. The findings have been used by sports company, Decathlon, which has applied the same level of ‘technicity’ testing it uses on sports products to show the impact of outdoor walking on the brainwaves of celebrity family, Life with the Mancs.
The results are being used to launch a series of community ‘Joy Walks’, encouraging people of all ages to get outdoors and benefit from the brain-boosting effects of walking this spring. With Joy Walks taking place close to Decathlon stores in London, Manchester and Dublin this May, led by local experts who will design routes that embrace natural beauty to help more people take their first steps in hiking and discover its benefits. Alongside some special added perks.
The Joy of Walking research reveals regularly walking outdoors can, on average, reduce exhaustion (tiredness) by 21 per cent, boost a sense of achievement by 22 per cent, and cut cynicism by 16 per cent. People who engage in nature-based activities increased brain signals associated with positive emotions by an average of 43 per cent across the frontal cortex – in some cases surging to 99.6 per cent for men specifically.
Interestingly, the relationship between walking outdoors and positive wellbeing is ‘dose-dependent’, with people who spend increased time outdoors reporting increased positivity and happiness. Other benefits of a 15-minute walk outdoors include boosting brain activity related to attention and memory by 240 per cent, increasing the brain’s ability to focus by 243 per cent, and tripling the brain signals associated with concentration.
The Joy of Walking Study - Why Green Exercise Makes Us Happier, Sharper and More Connected. Dr Jack Lewis .pdf
PDF - 166 Kb
Dr Jack Lewis, author of the Joy of Walking study, comments: “All the evidence shows that walking outdoors is not only good for the body, but also for the brain, releasing all manners of positive effects including increased creativity and concentration and decreased exhaustion and cynicism. From a scientific point of view, the more doses of the great outdoors people take, the better for their brainwaves.”
Joey Zhou, Hiking Commercial Leader, Decathlon UK added: “We have long believed in the positive impact of outdoor walking, but it is great to now have the benefits backed by science. Younger people are suffering from a stress epidemic, so if our research, free Joy Walks events and money off walking equipment can help inspire people to take their first steps outdoors for some much-needed restoration and recharging, we’ll be proud to play a part in a walking movement.”
Olivia Manchester, who put the EEG research to the test on an outdoor weekend, comments: “Hiking isn’t something we regularly do as a family given our city life, and taking part in this study has opened our eyes to all that we have been missing out on. By disconnecting with our phones and everyday worries for a few hours and stepping into nature, we spent quality time with each other and felt more relaxed. We’ll definitely be doing it more regularly now!”
Decathlon, the world’s largest sports company is now giving every customer a free £10 towards walking equipment from now until the end of May for them to discover the benefits of walking themselves.
For more details and to download the app, visit: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/c/lp/decathlon-mobile-app-landing-page_d5635627-77ba-49e6-881d-c008eec8274c
– Ends –
Notes to Editors
The Joy of Walking study was compiled by Dr Jack Lewis for Decathlon in April 2026.
About Decathlon’s Joy Walks and JOY10 discount
From now until the 5th of June, customers can receive £10 off any shop over £80 on outdoor products by simply entering code ‘JOY10’ at checkout via the Decathlon App. Customers must be a Decathlon UK member and can sign up for free online or via the app.
Full T&Cs are available here: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/lp/i/joy-of-outdoors-terms-and-conditions
