Benefits of Walking for Your Mental Health

There are so many benefits of walking for your mental health. Walking, a simple yet innate activity, offers respite for when you are feeling low, tired or stuck in a rut. With no subscription fees or prescriptions required, it’s a free and accessible activity – all you need to do is step outside. 

We all walk; to our car, at home, and to the store. Walking doesn’t have to be only a means to an end. Going on a walk just for the sake of it; that is what I’m vouching for here. Just walking. For no purpose other than walking. It feels so good! There are so many benefits of walking for your mental health. Let’s dive in. 

Movement is Energy: Walking is Movement

Exercise Made Easy

Walking serves as an effortless form of exercise. It’s a cardiovascular activity that boosts endorphin levels, enhancing mood and reducing stress. Some healthcare providers even prescribe walking instead of medication. 

Nature’s Benefits: Walking Gets You Outdoors

Fresh Air 

Intuitively, we know that fresh air feels good. Being cooped up inside all day can make you tired, sluggish and uninspired. Fresh air oxygenates the blood, invigorating your body and mind. Nature’s calming influence reduces stress, boosts relaxation, and enhances overall well-being. The next time you feel the need for another cup of coffee or tea, try taking a walk around the block. 

Nature 

Whether you live in a forest or in an urban city, simply seeing green grass, flowers, and trees is healing. Nature reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. It makes you feel more relaxed as it reduces blood pressure, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones. 

Natural Light: Vitamin D

Walking outdoors provides a vital source of vitamin D, essential for a robust immune and nervous system. Exposure to natural light uplifts mood and supports mental health. 

Establish Boundaries and Connect

Transition & Boundaries

Going on a walk helps create a boundary between work and personal life, especially in today’s work-from-home culture. This makes it difficult to shut off from your daytime responsibilities and transition roles. Walking mimics the transition from a traditional commute, preventing burnout. Try adding in a commute if you work from home. Try starting the day and/or ending the day with a short walk to a from work (your home). 

Social Connection

While you’re at it, try grabbing a friend to go on a walk with you next time you go. Not only do you get all of the other benefits of walking alone, but you also get the benefits of socializing. Social connection makes us feel safe, loved, connected, and improves self-confidence, while reducing stress and anxiety. 

Simply put, going on a walk is packed with nutritional benefits and will improve your mental health. If you are thinking that walking is boring, try listening to music, a podcast, making a call to someone or bringing along a friend (bonus social connection benefit!). Regardless of the duration, whether it’s a brief stroll or a lengthier trek, walking promises a plethora of mental health benefits.

Wanting to learn more about benefits for your mental health? Head on over to my next blog post.

Ready to make the next step in your mental health journey? Book your free consultation now.