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This post is all about Why Does Going for a Walk Make Me Feel Better
Discover why a simple walk changed my mindset, helped me choose healthier eating options and gave me the energy to stay on top of my mental health.
Why Does Going for a Walk Make Me Feel Better?
1. The Simple Power of Walking
Even a simple walk can seem like a big effort when we feel stressed or overwhelmed. I get it, it would be so much easier to stay in bed, sit by the computer and do my work or even sit on the sofa and scroll social media. But hey, where has that gotten anyone in their desire for long term mental wellness.
Have you ever noticed how your mood starts to lift after just a few steps? I certainly did. Going for a walk has not just been about moving my body; it’s about shifting my mind. When I walk, my body releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which eases stress and brings me a feeling of calm.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals just why walking is so good:
Walking is an accessible, population-level behaviour conducted by persons of all ages and sexes, and as such one with great public health potential
2. From Cravings to Craving Nourishment
Let me share a quick story. The other day, I woke up feeling a bit stressed. My first thought? A quick, comforting fast food breakfast. But I promised myself I’d go for a walk first, thinking I’d “earn” my fast-food treat.
Once I got outside and started walking, though, something changed. As I walked, my breathing steadied, and my mind began to clear. By the time I got home, I no longer wanted that fast food! Instead, I craved a nourishing breakfast that would fuel my body and mind.
That simple walk had changed my mindset, setting me up for a healthier, happier day.
This is exactly what I learnt from that walk:
- Initial Cravings: Initially, I sought comfort in unhealthy food due to stress.
- Mindset Shift: Choosing to walk allowed my breathing to steady and my thoughts to clear.
- Healthier Choices: Ultimately, that walk led me to crave a nourishing meal.
3. Shifting Mindsets Through Movement
Is it possible for me to be happy again? It’s a question many people face, I have certainly asked it about myself more than once over the years. When life feels heavy, walking can be just a step forward toward that goal of happiness.
Here’s why: Walking gives us a small, achievable win. It’s something we can control, which feels empowering, especially when life throws challenges our way. That little win sets a positive tone,
helping us make better choices throughout the day.
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
4. Physical Movement, Mental Boost
Walking offers some great benefits that make us feel better overall. Here are a few simple ways it can boost our mood and help us reset:
- Nature’s Boost: Getting outside means we’re around sunlight, fresh air, and trees, which all help us feel calm and happy.
- Less Stress: Studies say that being near nature—like trees and birds—can lower stress, which is why walking outside feels so good.
- Helps Us Stay in the Moment: Walking also helps us focus on the “now,” so we’re less likely to get caught up in worries or to-do lists.
These small things about walking make a big difference for our mental health!
5. Small Choices, Big Impact
Going for a walk can make the difference between craving quick comfort (like junk food) or choosing something that will actually nourish us. This might sound small, but think of how each choice adds up.
Choosing nourishing food fuels our brains, keeps us balanced, and avoids the
dreaded sugar crash. And when we start our day by making mindful choices, we’re more likely to continue making positive choices throughout the day.
Here’s a quick list of how walking benefits mental health:
- Increases endorphins: Elevates mood and reduces stress
- Improves focus: Clears the mind and helps with problem-solving
- Encourages positive choices: Shifts cravings from quick fixes to nourishing options
- Builds resilience: Walking provides a mental reset, empowering you to handle challenges
In exploring the benefits of walking, a vital study highlights how this practice enhances our mental processes. According to Oppezzo and Schwartz (2015),
“Walking-for-thinking is experienced as an interplay between person, environment, and thought, where body rhythms align with walking rhythms, enhancing memory and creativity.”
Citation: Oppezzo, M., & Schwartz, D. L. (2015)
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to experience these benefits, start by finding a time of day that works for you.
Some people find mornings are best, while others prefer lunchtime or evenings.
The key is consistency. Start small, maybe 10 minutes a day, and build up from there. And if you’re not feeling motivated, remember this: You don’t have to feel like walking; just start, and let the
benefits follow.
“ I want to be able to be open about mental health treatment.”
— Camilla Luddington, actress known for her role on “Grey’s Anatomy”
This post was all about Why Does Going for a Walk Make Me Feel Better