Photo by stacy77
There's nothing like a good walk through a graveyard (as we learned on Tuesday), or wherever it is that you're most comfortable. It's a great way to release energy and stay healthy no matter what your fitness level. And, according to Dr. Michael C. Miller, member of the Department of Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, walking regularly can have the same affect on your brain as an antidepressant.
Though regular, moderate exercise like walking won't give you the "runners high" of intense workouts, it does increase blood and energy flow to the brain, improving mental acuity. As reported on ABC News in Boston, even a single exercise session can produce improvements. The report referred to a study done by researchers at the University of Texas who tested people with major depressive disorders. One group was asked to rest quietly while the other group walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes. Though both groups saw improvements in mood afterward, those who walked on the treadmill had more positive feelings of well-being and vigor.
But as many of us know, motivation is the biggest hurdle to overcome when depressed. Dr. Miller admits that for some people suffering from severe depression, it's not a cure-all and they should seek medical attention. “But in terms of general health, exercise is good and seems to make your brain work better,” he said. “It seems to do all the good things your brain needs with very few side effects.”
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Comments 6
We do this every day! We moved to the Coast & we figured if we are here for the beach we are going to go there everyday or whats the point? We live 5 min from the beach so there is really no excuse & so we walk there every day, even if its only for a few minutes before work or to watch the sunset:)
I try to use my elliptical machine for 30 minutes or take a walk outside or at the park for 30 minutes to an hour. It really does improve my mood and DH can always tell if I've been physically active or not. It also increases my confidence.
I'm a runner, and I am addicted to endorphins, lol! I genuinely feel like a different person after I work out, i love it!!!
I have been walking at least 20mins a day for the past month and I can say I do feel better.
i have trouble staying with it
I think that walking is a fantastic way to get rid of the blues. It just totally lifts my spirits, but I often need a friend to pull me away from my desk to get outside. These last few days have been beautiful here so it's easy to want to be outdoors!