How Going Out For Short Walks Help Reduce Anxiety And Depression?

Sometimes the best way to ensure wellness for people is getting outside.
wellness · 4 min
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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!

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Opinions and Perspectives

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Daphne99 commented Daphne99 3 years ago

The article's emphasis on accessibility and simplicity of walking is spot on.

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PlantBased-Joy_99 commented PlantBased-Joy_99 3 years ago

Walking has helped me rediscover joy in simple things.

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Limbaugh_Lines commented Limbaugh_Lines 3 years ago

The mindfulness aspect of walking is something I've really come to value.

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Renee-Summers commented Renee-Summers 3 years ago

I appreciate how walking can be both a workout and a mental health tool.

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MinimalistHappiness commented MinimalistHappiness 3 years ago

The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can be so grounding.

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Jasmine_Love commented Jasmine_Love 3 years ago

Walking with others has helped me build meaningful connections during difficult times.

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MarthaX commented MarthaX 3 years ago

I've found that walking helps me maintain perspective when problems seem huge.

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HolisticHarmony commented HolisticHarmony 3 years ago

The article's point about walking being therapy resonates deeply with my experience.

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Sacred-Serenity_2024 commented Sacred-Serenity_2024 3 years ago

Walking has become my daily act of self-care. It's non-negotiable now.

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James-Michael commented James-Michael 3 years ago

I love how walking lets me explore new areas of my neighborhood.

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Sylvia_Murray commented Sylvia_Murray 3 years ago

The relationship between walking and improved mood is so clear once you experience it.

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EsmeR commented EsmeR 3 years ago

Walking gives me a sense of freedom when everything else feels overwhelming.

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BrodyRodriguez commented BrodyRodriguez 3 years ago

I've noticed my anxiety levels are much lower on days when I walk regularly.

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AmeliaJoy_88 commented AmeliaJoy_88 3 years ago

The article could have discussed how walking can help with chronic pain management too.

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SavannahJenkins commented SavannahJenkins 3 years ago

Walking helped me reconnect with my spouse. We talk more on walks than at home.

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SelenaB commented SelenaB 3 years ago

The mental clarity I get from walking is better than any cup of coffee.

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DreamHorizon commented DreamHorizon 3 years ago

I appreciate how walking can be both social and solitary, depending on what you need.

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CoralineX commented CoralineX 3 years ago

Walking has helped me maintain my weight without the pressure of intense exercise.

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LunarEcho commented LunarEcho 3 years ago

The article's emphasis on consistency over intensity is really important.

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Hadley_Starlit commented Hadley_Starlit 3 years ago

I've found that walking helps me process work problems better than sitting at my desk.

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GracePerez commented GracePerez 3 years ago

The sense of accomplishment after a walk, even a short one, can really lift your spirits.

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Tori_Glow commented Tori_Glow 3 years ago

Walking helps me feel more connected to my community. I notice things I miss when driving.

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Aurora_C commented Aurora_C 4 years ago

Even on my busiest days, I make time for a short walk. It's that important to me now.

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ClairePeterson commented ClairePeterson 4 years ago

The article could have mentioned how walking can improve body image and self-esteem too.

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Liam commented Liam 4 years ago

I started a neighborhood walking group and it's become such a supportive community.

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Ella_Blossom commented Ella_Blossom 4 years ago

Walking helped me quit smoking. It gave me something else to do when cravings hit.

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Genesis commented Genesis 4 years ago

The article's point about childhood outdoor play really made me think about my own kids' habits.

1
Kelsey-Fleming commented Kelsey-Fleming 4 years ago

I love how walking requires no special equipment or training. Anyone can do it.

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NicholasBailey commented NicholasBailey 4 years ago

Walking with my teenager has opened up conversations we might not have had otherwise.

3
YogaFlowDaily commented YogaFlowDaily 4 years ago

The connection between nature walks and reduced depression is something I've experienced personally.

3
Margo_Light commented Margo_Light 4 years ago

I've found that walking helps me sleep better at night too.

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InnerLight_Shining_555 commented InnerLight_Shining_555 4 years ago

The article could have explored how different types of walks serve different purposes.

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AndrewHall commented AndrewHall 4 years ago

Walking has become my form of meditation. It's when I feel most present.

0
BrandonS commented BrandonS 4 years ago

Sometimes a quick walk is all I need to break out of a negative thought spiral.

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CodeBreak3r commented CodeBreak3r 4 years ago

The mention of masked walks with friends is practical advice for staying social during pandemic times.

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ChloeWalker commented ChloeWalker 4 years ago

I appreciate how walking can be adapted to any fitness level or physical ability.

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DelilahL commented DelilahL 4 years ago

The social isolation aspect during COVID really resonates. Walking helped me feel connected to the world.

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Brianna-Price commented Brianna-Price 4 years ago

Walking has helped me manage my work stress better than any other coping strategy.

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SecretSpecter commented SecretSpecter 4 years ago

Starting small is key. I began with just 5 minutes and built up from there.

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Paisley_Luxe commented Paisley_Luxe 4 years ago

The article could have mentioned how walking can help with seasonal affective disorder too.

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NyxH commented NyxH 4 years ago

I find walking helps me process difficult emotions better than sitting still and thinking about them.

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Christina_Star commented Christina_Star 4 years ago

The impact on children's mental health from lack of outdoor activity is concerning. We need to address this.

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XantheM commented XantheM 4 years ago

Walking with friends has replaced our coffee dates. We get exercise and conversation at the same time.

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Lauer_Live commented Lauer_Live 4 years ago

I've started walking instead of scrolling through social media. Much better use of time!

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Juliana commented Juliana 4 years ago

The article makes a good point about the cost-free aspect of walking. Not everyone can afford therapy.

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Isaac commented Isaac 4 years ago

Walking helped me cope with grief when nothing else seemed to work.

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Macy-Woods commented Macy-Woods 4 years ago

Completely agree about dogs being great motivators. My dog gets me outside even when I'm not feeling it.

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Lowry_Ledger commented Lowry_Ledger 4 years ago

I've noticed my mood is much better on days when I walk, even if everything else goes wrong.

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GenesisOwens commented GenesisOwens 4 years ago

We should encourage more walking meetings at work. They're so much more energizing than sitting in a conference room.

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HappyGut_HappyLife commented HappyGut_HappyLife 4 years ago

The connection between walking and reduced anxiety is real. I've experienced it firsthand.

1
HolisticHappiness commented HolisticHappiness 4 years ago

Anyone else feel like their best ideas come during walks? There's something about moving that gets the brain working.

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MilesBennett commented MilesBennett 4 years ago

I find it interesting how different environments affect my mood. Walking in a park versus a busy street creates totally different feelings.

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HackerVision commented HackerVision 4 years ago

The article could have mentioned how walking can also improve creativity and problem-solving skills.

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Tess_Rose commented Tess_Rose 4 years ago

Walking with my kids has become our special time to talk about their day without phones or distractions.

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WholeBody_Health_2024 commented WholeBody_Health_2024 4 years ago

The suggestion about walking during lunch breaks is great. I've started doing this and feel much more productive in the afternoon.

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MarinaX commented MarinaX 4 years ago

I appreciate how the article acknowledges both the physical and mental benefits of walking.

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Brooklyn commented Brooklyn 4 years ago

Walking definitely helped me during lockdown, but I still needed my regular therapy sessions too.

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Molly_Brooks commented Molly_Brooks 4 years ago

Sometimes just standing outside for a few minutes helps reset my mood when I'm feeling overwhelmed.

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Martha_Breezy commented Martha_Breezy 4 years ago

The social aspect of group walks shouldn't be underestimated. I've made some great friends through walking groups.

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SkylarJane commented SkylarJane 4 years ago

I've found that morning walks set a positive tone for my entire day.

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MonicaH commented MonicaH 4 years ago

Not everyone has access to safe walking areas or nature spots. This is an important aspect the article missed.

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Claire_72 commented Claire_72 4 years ago

The point about serotonin levels increasing outdoors is fascinating. No wonder I feel better after a walk.

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InnerPeaceInMotion commented InnerPeaceInMotion 4 years ago

Walking helped me through my anxiety, but medication was still necessary. It's important to use all tools available.

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Olbermann_Observations commented Olbermann_Observations 4 years ago

The comparison between kids' activities now versus years ago really hit home. We need to encourage outdoor play again.

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DelilahCole commented DelilahCole 4 years ago

I started walking during my work calls when possible. Two birds with one stone!

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NatalieJ_98 commented NatalieJ_98 4 years ago

The article could have mentioned the impact of seasonal changes. Walking in winter can be challenging but still important.

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SerotoninSeeker commented SerotoninSeeker 4 years ago

Anyone else notice how much better they sleep after an evening walk? It's become part of my bedtime routine now.

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NeonFuturist commented NeonFuturist 4 years ago

Group walks are fantastic but during peak COVID times it wasn't always possible. I had to get creative with solo walking routes.

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TranquilityVibes commented TranquilityVibes 4 years ago

The vitamin D factor shouldn't be underestimated. So many of us are deficient from staying indoors all day.

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AlondraH commented AlondraH 4 years ago

I love the suggestion about finding a walking buddy. Having that accountability makes such a difference.

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Positivity-Path_777 commented Positivity-Path_777 4 years ago

The article's mention of social media impact on kids is frightening. We really need to get our children outside more.

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SelfWorthMatters commented SelfWorthMatters 4 years ago

This reminds me of how my grandmother always said 'Just go for a walk' whenever anyone was upset. Turns out she was onto something!

6
CamillaM commented CamillaM 4 years ago

Walking alone can be just as therapeutic as walking with others. Sometimes I need that solitude to process my thoughts.

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Fritz_Focus commented Fritz_Focus 4 years ago

The point about dogs being great walking companions is spot on. My pup has gotten me through some really tough times.

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CyberWave commented CyberWave 4 years ago

Has anyone tried those walking meditation apps? They're a great way to combine mindfulness with outdoor exercise.

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GenevieveHawkins commented GenevieveHawkins 4 years ago

I agree that walking helps, but let's not downplay the importance of professional mental health support when needed.

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Mandy_Twilight commented Mandy_Twilight 4 years ago

My doctor actually prescribed daily walks as part of my depression treatment plan, and I was skeptical at first but it really does help.

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SierraH commented SierraH 4 years ago

The connection between nature and mental health is so powerful. I feel instantly calmer when I'm surrounded by trees and fresh air.

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Ruby-Fisher commented Ruby-Fisher 4 years ago

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!

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Tessa-Gibson commented Tessa-Gibson 4 years ago

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.

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SerenityHoward commented SerenityHoward 4 years ago

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.

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Piper_Shine commented Piper_Shine 4 years ago

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.

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