Today is International Day of Happiness. And as the Glamoraks mission is to make women happier one step at a time, I thought I'd find out whether it was just me that felt happy when they went walking. 

Nope. Not just me. Watch the video to see the smiling faces of our members from around the world plus their reasons that walking makes them happy. 

But I also did a snap survey to find out a bit more, to dig slightly deeper. And here's what I found:

So there you have it. Walking definitely makes people happier. That happiness can last a few hours or a few days. It helps with a myriad of emotions and mental health issues. As long as there is open space, fresh air and peace, people don't really mind where they walk. Urban environments and park being the one that didn't get any votes. And it seems most people don't mind who they walk with - just as long as they can get out there!

I asked for a statement to describe why walking makes them happy. I couldn't include them all but this is what they said:

• It makes me feel alive
  
• Freedom from all worries - there's nothing more to be done
  
• I can do it when I can't do anything else in my head
  
• Moving the body, getting out of the wild mind.
  
• Getting back to nature. Living in the now.
  
• The fresh air, clears your mind and moving just releases tension and depression.
  
• It helps minimise the niggles and dramas that get in life's way
  
• It makes me feel free.
  
• It's like a mood reboot
  
• Fresh air and ‘groundedness’ at one with the world
  
• The freedom and seeing the wildlife and it helps you appreciate life.
  
• It’s just me and nature and none of the daily grind is there.
  
• I just love being outside in the fresh air, and seeing nature
  
• It’s the only time I feel myself. Disconnected from everything
  
• Gives me space to think and opens my mind to new options / thoughts. Time spent with my partner to asses and plan our lives.
• Walking can change your mood as soon as you get out of the car even if its muddy and wet!
  
• Peace and quiet
  
• Walking makes me happy as it gives me a sense of freedom, time to think and work through things.
  
• Fresh air and exercise
  
• Fresh air and open space are key to helping with my anxiety, plus gentle exercise boosts my mood.
  
• Being outdoors and in the fresh air gives me time to think, connect with nature and enjoy the environment.
  
• It clears my mind of chatter
  
• I love being outdoors and walking makes me feel free. I particularly enjoy walking with my camera because I’m totally in the moment - it’s the best form of mindfulness there is!
  
• The smells, the sound of nature, and pretty things to see. It makes me appreciate life and beauty of the natural world
  
• Every time I see something that makes me smile, today it was the first burst of bluebells
  
• I can immerse myself in nature and forget the rest of the world
  
• I like the realness - being in the elements
  
• Because nature is curative - balm to the soul, it is simple, seasonal, majestic, beautiful, awesome sights - it’s rhythm of moving is mindful / all’s right with the world on a walk Solvitur Ambulando
  
• Escape from the norm, exercise, nature, fresh air, time to slow down and appreciate surroundings.
  
• I can tune into my body, observe my tendencies and how I feel, use slow, meditative walking. Tune into my breathing that helps me relax, feel in tune with the elements and the landscape around me.
  
• Usually it’s the social company + exercise that improves my mood. Sense of joint accomplishment is also nice.
  
• Fresh air, sun and gentle exercise.
  
• Just gets away from life
  
• It clears the mind.
  
• I physically feel the stresses of the day lift from my shoulders, my mind becomes clearer, the thoughs buzzing through my head at a million miles an hour slow and become quieter, my joints hurt less, I’m fitter and healthier- fewer coughs and colds. Whichever way you look at it - it makes me happy!
  

If you would like to feel these benefits too, join Glamoraks today. It's free. It will absolutely make you happier. It may just change your life.

I've just returned from a lovely 7.5 mile walk starting at Cod Beck Reservoir, tracking through Osmotherley and along a stretch of the Cleveland Way in the North Yorkshire Moors.  I haven't been on many walks recently. My personal life has been somewhat fraught/busy/overwhelming for the last few months, so walking had to take a back seat. 

But today I had a free day. No kids. No commitments. And yes there were household jobs to do - when aren't there? - but I decided to prioritise time for me.

Luckily, a Glamoraks member had planned a walk for today. That's how Glamoraks works. Someone decides that they want to do a walk and they choose a route. They share it in the group and/or the Facebook page and other people can decide to join them. You can search for members or walks near you too (and we have members all over the world.)

​For many people, coming on one of these walks is daunting. They don't know anyone and as with any new situation, meeting new people and trying new things can feel scary. But as the ladies on the walk today can testify, there is absolutely no reason for nerves. 

We are women with completely different stories and backgrounds. Yet we all love the same thing - getting outside in the fresh air and having a good long stomp. Now had this walk not been set up today, I would have gone on my own (although it would have been easier to cry off and binge watch Game of Thrones), but for many others, they would prefer not to be alone out on a remote path.

Many don't feel brave enough to be the walk organiser, but once they've been on one, realise that actually it's not that scary either. No-one expects you to be a qualified walker. It's ok if we get lost. Or it's muddy. Or we want to change course. Or stop for tea. We're just grateful that someone has encouraged us to get out there.