Going for Walks Improves Your Mental Health
Going for walks has long been known to benefit physical health, and now according to Harvard Health, “exercise is just as important for your mind. Not only is regular exercise associated with a reduced risk of depression and anxiety, there is mounting evidence that it slows cognitive decline and may reduce the risk of dementia.”
Dr. Scott McGinnis, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School explains, “there is good evidence that exercise behaves like medicine to improve brain health and thinking skills. There is a growing body of science behind this.”
In addition to the boost in mood and mental health, walks have the added benefit of improving cognition and mental agility. According to Harvard Health, “several studies conducted over the past few decades have determined that doing aerobic exercise shortly be-fore taking a test improved young adults’ reaction times and performance on standardized mental exams.”
Walks are a great way to become familiar with your area, engage with nature if you’re near a trail, and exercise, all while enjoying a mental boost. Since walks are free, finding a way to incorporate them into your routine can be a simple way to boost your mental health.
