How Going Out For Short Walks Help Reduce Anxiety And Depression?
Mental health is becoming a more openly discussed subject in today's society. Originally, people who were dealing with depression or anxiety went to individual counseling. Recently we have seen a trend towards group counseling which I believe is good as it connects those who are struggling with mental health disorders, to others struggling with similar mental disorders.
However, while many health specialists are directing individuals to seek help in either individual or group counseling, we don’t hear much discussion about how going outside and getting fresh air can make a huge difference. In today’s society when dealing with COVID, people around the world are being told to stay inside to prevent the spread of the virus. This has been directly causing mental health to deteriorate in so many people.
Depression and anxiety are increasing as people fear the virus or financial insecurity. But also many individuals are becoming so depressed due to the isolation of having to stay indoors.
Walking outside in nature can help reduce anxiety
Going outside for just a short walk every day and breathing in the fresh air can help reduce depression and anxiety. Walking outside in nature can help reduce this further as you take in the external beauty. You realize how small the problems you’re facing truly are as you take in the grandiosity of the nature of this world.
Even small outdoor ventures, like getting outside for a lunch break and taking a stroll can be beneficial. Add walking with a friend, both of you masked, can be the best therapy we can find. You get the physical health benefit of getting exercise in the fresh air and you get the mental health perks of the social interaction while maintaining safety precautions. If people could find a walking buddy, they could commit to getting outside consistently and improving their mental health at no financial cost at all.
Walking with friends or in groups is also a good kind of therapy. When you are outside your serotonin is high from the outdoor exercise and then the conversation tends to be positive even if it’s about difficult subjects due to the increased serotonin. It’s hard to be negative when you’re on a beautiful walk with good friends. So it’s a social activity but becomes positive therapy.
Sometimes you don’t even need to go with other people, furry friends are also good companions. Dogs can heighten serotonin levels and walk with them can also boost your mood. Sometimes it’s hard to motivate yourself to get outside and go for a walk, so having a dog can help ensure you get outside. Having a dog with you can also increase your exercise if you throw a ball for them or make you walk faster.
When children are very little, parents take them to parks and on walks constantly, getting them in the fresh air with physical activity. Kids used to run around and play in their neighborhood all day long with friends and in those days, the stress level of elementary and secondary school children was very low. The kids were getting large doses of serotonin, vitamin D, and social interaction that was all positive. In those days, by the time they hit high school, they found their niche of sports or activities that helped them get fresh air and exercise.
Going Out can Reduce the Impact of digitization on the mental health of kids
However, in today’s society, and for at least 10 years, kids are staying inside and isolating, similar to the Covid situation. Kids are on their phones searching social media posts or playing video games. The increase in stress and depression levels in young kids, tweens, and teens has skyrocketed due to this self-isolation.
Kids don’t know how to change it, but I truly believe if they got back outdoors to play with kids in their neighborhood, they could find an increased positivity in their outlooks on life. I know how bad the mental state can get as one of my closest friends’ sisters took her own life days after turning 13 years old. She felt trapped in her life and needed counseling that wasn’t available.
But I believe that if she had that neighborhood community of kids getting outdoors and playing with each other, instead of posing mean taunts on social media, she’d still be alive.
I urge this country to reassess the mental health situation we are facing. We need to bring awareness to this deadly situation as Covid and isolation has increased suicides across the country, especially in my home county. But a simple start would be to ask everybody, to take a small step first.
Getting outside and walking, running, hiking, bike every day will put you in a more positive mood, fill you with gratitude, and improved mental skills such as creativity and improved memory to enable you to be more efficient at your job or schooling when you return indoors to complete your daily assignments.
Get out, wear a mask, and revisit this beautiful earth we inhabit. It will be the best therapy for you!
Opinions and Perspectives
The article's emphasis on accessibility and simplicity of walking is spot on.
The mindfulness aspect of walking is something I've really come to value.
I appreciate how walking can be both a workout and a mental health tool.
The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can be so grounding.
Walking with others has helped me build meaningful connections during difficult times.
I've found that walking helps me maintain perspective when problems seem huge.
The article's point about walking being therapy resonates deeply with my experience.
Walking has become my daily act of self-care. It's non-negotiable now.
The relationship between walking and improved mood is so clear once you experience it.
I've noticed my anxiety levels are much lower on days when I walk regularly.
The article could have discussed how walking can help with chronic pain management too.
Walking helped me reconnect with my spouse. We talk more on walks than at home.
I appreciate how walking can be both social and solitary, depending on what you need.
Walking has helped me maintain my weight without the pressure of intense exercise.
I've found that walking helps me process work problems better than sitting at my desk.
The sense of accomplishment after a walk, even a short one, can really lift your spirits.
Walking helps me feel more connected to my community. I notice things I miss when driving.
Even on my busiest days, I make time for a short walk. It's that important to me now.
The article could have mentioned how walking can improve body image and self-esteem too.
I started a neighborhood walking group and it's become such a supportive community.
Walking helped me quit smoking. It gave me something else to do when cravings hit.
The article's point about childhood outdoor play really made me think about my own kids' habits.
I love how walking requires no special equipment or training. Anyone can do it.
Walking with my teenager has opened up conversations we might not have had otherwise.
The connection between nature walks and reduced depression is something I've experienced personally.
The article could have explored how different types of walks serve different purposes.
Sometimes a quick walk is all I need to break out of a negative thought spiral.
The mention of masked walks with friends is practical advice for staying social during pandemic times.
I appreciate how walking can be adapted to any fitness level or physical ability.
The social isolation aspect during COVID really resonates. Walking helped me feel connected to the world.
Walking has helped me manage my work stress better than any other coping strategy.
Starting small is key. I began with just 5 minutes and built up from there.
The article could have mentioned how walking can help with seasonal affective disorder too.
I find walking helps me process difficult emotions better than sitting still and thinking about them.
The impact on children's mental health from lack of outdoor activity is concerning. We need to address this.
Walking with friends has replaced our coffee dates. We get exercise and conversation at the same time.
I've started walking instead of scrolling through social media. Much better use of time!
The article makes a good point about the cost-free aspect of walking. Not everyone can afford therapy.
Completely agree about dogs being great motivators. My dog gets me outside even when I'm not feeling it.
I've noticed my mood is much better on days when I walk, even if everything else goes wrong.
We should encourage more walking meetings at work. They're so much more energizing than sitting in a conference room.
The connection between walking and reduced anxiety is real. I've experienced it firsthand.
Anyone else feel like their best ideas come during walks? There's something about moving that gets the brain working.
I find it interesting how different environments affect my mood. Walking in a park versus a busy street creates totally different feelings.
The article could have mentioned how walking can also improve creativity and problem-solving skills.
Walking with my kids has become our special time to talk about their day without phones or distractions.
The suggestion about walking during lunch breaks is great. I've started doing this and feel much more productive in the afternoon.
I appreciate how the article acknowledges both the physical and mental benefits of walking.
Walking definitely helped me during lockdown, but I still needed my regular therapy sessions too.
Sometimes just standing outside for a few minutes helps reset my mood when I'm feeling overwhelmed.
The social aspect of group walks shouldn't be underestimated. I've made some great friends through walking groups.
Not everyone has access to safe walking areas or nature spots. This is an important aspect the article missed.
The point about serotonin levels increasing outdoors is fascinating. No wonder I feel better after a walk.
Walking helped me through my anxiety, but medication was still necessary. It's important to use all tools available.
The comparison between kids' activities now versus years ago really hit home. We need to encourage outdoor play again.
I started walking during my work calls when possible. Two birds with one stone!
The article could have mentioned the impact of seasonal changes. Walking in winter can be challenging but still important.
Anyone else notice how much better they sleep after an evening walk? It's become part of my bedtime routine now.
Group walks are fantastic but during peak COVID times it wasn't always possible. I had to get creative with solo walking routes.
The vitamin D factor shouldn't be underestimated. So many of us are deficient from staying indoors all day.
I love the suggestion about finding a walking buddy. Having that accountability makes such a difference.
The article's mention of social media impact on kids is frightening. We really need to get our children outside more.
This reminds me of how my grandmother always said 'Just go for a walk' whenever anyone was upset. Turns out she was onto something!
Walking alone can be just as therapeutic as walking with others. Sometimes I need that solitude to process my thoughts.
The point about dogs being great walking companions is spot on. My pup has gotten me through some really tough times.
Has anyone tried those walking meditation apps? They're a great way to combine mindfulness with outdoor exercise.
I agree that walking helps, but let's not downplay the importance of professional mental health support when needed.
My doctor actually prescribed daily walks as part of my depression treatment plan, and I was skeptical at first but it really does help.
The connection between nature and mental health is so powerful. I feel instantly calmer when I'm surrounded by trees and fresh air.
I started walking with my neighbor every morning during the pandemic and it became the highlight of my day. We solved all the world's problems during those walks!
While walking is helpful, I don't think it's fair to present it as an alternative to professional therapy. Some people need more than just fresh air to deal with serious mental health issues.
The article makes a great point about how we're keeping kids indoors too much these days. When I was young, we were always playing outside until sunset.
I've personally found that taking short walks during my lunch break has made such a difference in my mental state. Even just 15 minutes helps clear my mind.