Walking as exercise can be a great way to combat anxiety symptoms and boost your mood at the same time that you get physical fitness benefits. This makes this straightforward, no-equipment workout one of the best choices you can make for yourself on a daily – or nearly daily – basis. Whether you’re combatting winter blues, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), something more chronic, or just want to feel better, it’s time to head out and get moving.
Why Walking as Exercise?
Walking as exercise always seems too simple to be as beneficial as it truly is. The fact is though, that it’s one of the best regular workouts you can give yourself. It doesn’t require any special equipment – just whatever you wear to be outside and comfortable footwear – and virtually anyone can do it. It’s adjustable to nearly every fitness level and is possible no matter where you live.
The key to walking as exercise is to make sure you’re going at a speed and for a length of time that will raise your heart rate. Use those muscles and use those lungs. A slow scuffing stroll won’t do anything for your wellness unless it’s what’s best suited to your fitness level to raise your heart rate. For the average person, moving a bit faster will be necessary. You don’t need to walk like you’re trying to win a race, but after a half hour, you should feel warmer, and be breathing fast enough that it’s not as easy to talk at your usual casual rate (though you shouldn’t be out of breath).
Using walking as exercise in this way will give you great cardio, while using all the major muscle groups throughout your body. This provides you with substantial health benefits that will only continue as you keep up the habit.
Mental Health Benefits
On top of the physical benefits you’ll enjoy by making this a regular part of your life, you’ll also discover that walking for exercise comes with mental health advantages too. This is one of the most commonly recommended activities mental health professionals will make for patients suffering from conditions such as high stress, anxiety, or depression. It can also simply provide an overall mood lift regardless of whether a mental health disorder is present.
This type of basic regular workout, particularly when done outdoors and in daylight, helps to boost the release of certain feel-good neurotransmitters and hormones within the body. While you keep up this practice to promote better digestion, heart health, and weight control – among other benefits – it naturally produces a better overall sense of well being, making it easier to feel happy.
