The Benefits Of Walking For Mental Health

The shorter days and lack of sunshine in Calgary, Canada in winter can take their toll leaving people depressed. It’s not as comfortable walking outside, either. It can lead to mental health issues. Luckily, it’s March and spring weather is on its way. If you’re feeling depressed, take advantage of those sunny days and start walking on the days you don’t work out. It’s a great picker-upper that anyone can do.

Walking helps you with other mood boosters.

If you aren’t sleeping, there’s a good chance that you’re under stress or slightly depressed. Which came first, the depression or the lack of sleep? That’s a good question. One thing is certain, a good night’s sleep can lift your spirits. Just like any type of exercise, walking boosts circulation and helps reduce stress. It also helps you sleep better at night. Both help you sleep. The increased circulation sends oxygen and nutrient-laden blood to all parts of the body, including the central nervous response system, an area that directly affects your stress response.

You’ll boost your energy and improve your endurance.

That increase in energy can positively affect your mood. Like all types of exercise, walking builds endurance and makes it easier to get through the day with energy to spare. It helps you feel less deflated at the end of the day. That’s a real benefit for improved mental health. That extra energy juice improves mental alertness and makes you more ready to face challenges when they occur.

Walking can help improve your microbiome.

Your body has millions of microbes. It has more microbes than it has cells. Some are beneficial. Our bodies couldn’t function without them. Some are harmful and make us sick. Some scientists believe that an imbalance affects mental health and can increase the chances of mental issues like ADD, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Many things affect the microbe population diversity and keep it in a healthy balance. Diet and exercise, including walking, play vital roles.

• Walking can help you lose weight and improve your self-image. Feeling better about yourself and your appearance plays a huge role in mental health. You’ll even walk taller as you get stronger and fitter. That makes you look and feel more confident.
• Walking lets you get out in the sun and soak up those vitamin D-creating rays. Sunshine affects your mood positively. It helps combat seasonal affective disorder, a form of mild depression.
• Mental health professionals often use exercise such as walking as an adjunct therapy. Studies show it’s more effective than some medications for treating anxiety and depression.
• Walking can provide a social outlet. You can walk with friends or meet and lightly socialize with people when you walk on the same path routinely. It can also calm your nerves, which is why people often pace when they’re worried.

For more information, contact us today at Get RIPPED! by Jari Love