Many people talk about walking to help burn calories and to improve heart health, but many don’t realize it is amazing for your mental health as well. Here are some ways you can actually improve your mental health just by walking:
Releases Endorphins
First, any form of exercise is going to help release endorphins, AKA, the “happy chemicals” in your brain. When you walk, you almost instantly start feeling happy and stress-free.
However, this does depend on the type of walking you are doing. While more strenuous workouts are technically better for releasing endorphins, the experience of going for a walk, especially with a good friend, can still release the “happy chemicals.”
Boost Energy
You will get a wonderful burst of natural energy when you start walking on a regular basis. Walking early in the morning is a great way to jump start your day, maybe even in place of your morning boost of caffeine….maybe.
This energy boost is amazing for your mental health as well. You often feel healthy and productive, helping you to relieve stress and get things done.
Relieve Stress
If you are dealing with a lot of emotional stress in your life, walking can be a godsend. Every time you walk, you not only release those endorphins, but you have a mini therapy session with yourself. Walking can be almost a cathartic experience, where you focus more on your breathing, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, and feel more peaceful.
Reduce Anxiety
Many people have also found walking to help with their anxious feelings. This works in a number of different ways. First, as we mentioned, when you boost your energy with walking, you may skip the caffeine that tends to make your anxiety worse. You might also find that when you are walking, you begin to relax. The anxiety or panic you were feeling before starts to dissipate. Remember to walk only in places that don’t trigger panic. If you are someone who gets a lot of anxiety being around groups of people, walk at home on a treadmill or find a quiet place to walk, like a park or the beach.
I can attest from experience that walking on a daily basis can radically change your life. My goal is 2.5 miles every day and during that time, I soak up the sun, listen to a wellness podcast and detach from the daily news cycle. If you’re looking for a simple way to incorporate exercise and mental health, walking is easy, free and readily available.