10 reasons why walking is good for your mental health

Submitted by Tashi on

We know we keep going on about how good walking is for your mental health, but really, it’s fantastic!

Still not convinced? We have complied a list of 10 reasons why walking is brilliant for everything from stress reduction to creativity.

Go on, have a read. You’ll definitely want to grab your walking boots and go outside!

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                                                                         Why walking is good for your mental health

  1. Improved self-esteem. When you exercise your body released chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. That “euphoric” feeling that you experience after you exercise, also known as a “runner’s high”, can be accompanied by an energising and positive outlook on life.  
  2. Improved sleep. Being outdoors has a great advantage, daylight, which has a strong effect on our internal 'body clock', and the timing of our sleep.  
  3. Reduces the effects depression. Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication.
  4. Reduces the effects of anxiety. Walking has been shown to be a natural anti-anxiety treatment. The release of endorphins that are released through this repetitive movement have been show to enhance well-being, as well as reliving tension caused by anxiety.
  5. Reduces stress. We all know that stress is becoming a more predominant feature of our fast-paced lifestyles. The good news is an ever-increasing amount of published studies are showing that walking is an effective way of breaking the cycle of stress.
  6. Increased energy. Did you know that increasing your heart rate several times a week will improve your overall energy levels? So grab those boots as soon as you can!
  7. Stronger resilience. Often when we feel under pressure we can resort to negative behaviours, but studies have shown that walking can help you cope with emotional challenges in a healthy way.
  8. Improved brain function. Walking has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis, which is the growth of new brain cells, and the good news is this can prevent memory decline in later life!
  9. More creativity. Stanford University has found that creative thinking improves when walking! This boost in creativity lasts for a short time after this exercise has ended too – so go and have a walk in nature to get inspired!
  10. Improved body image. Feeling fitter and controlling your weight has been shown to improve individual confidence and body image. So there really is no excuse to #GetOutMore!