Okay... You don't have to. But actually... maybe you should. A brisk walk around the block is good for the mind. And if you don't trust me, at least trust the research.
I don’t mean to sound vain, but I was a pretty well-rounded athlete growing up… at least my dad likes to say so. With that said, physical activity was a part of my daily routine without a second thought. Whether it was basketball practice, riding my bike, or even jumping on my trampoline, I held myself accountable to stay active. As I grew up—and life sped up—physical activity became more of a task than a pastime. So, with trial and error, I landed on walking as the most enjoyable form of physical activity and my favorite way to exercise my mind.
Exercise is essential for our physical health, however, people often breeze past its benefits for the mind. By no means am I an expert on this, but I can speak from personal experience and acquired knowledge. And for the following reasons, I say, go take a walk!
Walking reduces stress.
My most prominent physical symptom of anxiety is brain fog. My thoughts begin to get fuzzy, and I feel disassociated from the present. Getting outside for a walk helps our bodies release endorphins which in turn increases the oxygen flow to the brain. Or, in simpler terms, walking reduces that damn stress and anxiety that always seems to keep piling up… and up... and up.
Walking can reduce fatigue.
Furthermore, “low intensity exercise” reduces mental and physical fatigue by more than 50 percent. I prefer to take a walk in the morning to jump-start my day. I see a drastic difference in my energy levels when I wake up and walk for an hour, versus when I wake up and scroll on Tik Tok for an hour.
Walking increases your mood.
Overall, aerobic exercise, such as walking, tends to have a positive effect on your mood. Think of it this way. When you’re agitated or worked up, does anyone ever tell you to take a walk and cool off? It’s never what we want to hear at the moment, but there is science behind it.
Walking can reduce the risk of depression.
Continuing on the concept of mood, according to The Telegraph, “exercising for 20 minutes a day cuts the risk of developing depression by one-third.” Although depression can rear its face in a variety of ways, no one wants to lose control of their emotions. So, I will take that one-third cut.
Put on your best workout set. Lace up your sneakers (double knot, if you will). Turn on your favorite tunes (or if you’re like me, a good podcast). And, go take a walk!
Written August 7, 2023
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