You lace up your walking shoes, stretch, and set out on a brisk walk…all with the goal of being fit and healthy. What you might not know is that your walk benefits your mind just as much as your body. Recent research finds that physical activity is good for mental skills, too.
Simple forms of steady exercise, such as walking, give you the best mental boost. Walking improves your ability to make decisions, solve problems, and focus. Even small doses of walking, like a 15-minute trek, can increase your brain power.
These benefits are not just short term. The mental perks continue long after your body has cooled down from a walk.
Perk Up by Walking
When life gets you down, walking can ease some of the burdens and relieve sadness or anxiety. Here's why:
- Aerobic activity releases hormones like adrenaline in your body. These hormones are key players in your nervous system and in boosting your mood.
- Endorphins also release in your body during activity. They help relieve pain and create a sense of well-being.
Try to find time for brain breaks each day by walking. Remember, you can break your treks up into several short walks.
Expand Your Outlook
Many people use walking as a time to pray, meditate, or just think. Alone time spent walking can help you gain perspective and balance. Walking lets you:
- Reduce stress
- Clear your mind
- Tap into your creative side
- Think of new ideas
- Solve problems
If you walk with a friend or family member, you also can enrich your mind by talking about issues of interest. Intelligent banter sharpens your wit; this, in turn, increases your mental skill. It's enjoyable to plan what topics the day's walk will explore.
Walking beefs up your mind in many ways. Here are more benefits:
- Exercise helps you sleep better. Restful nights are essential for clear thought processes.
- As you continue to walk, you'll deepen your self-motivation and personal will. This can help you muster the mental drive you need each day.
The point is this: Any time you can dedicate to walking is time your brain and mind need for clarity and strength. When you feel overwhelmed, find the time to walk. You'll get quick relief from your mental load and long-term enhancement to your mental health.
AARP's Physical Activity Programs
Step Up to Better
Health
This inspiring program helps you increase the number of steps you
take each day, no matter how active you are now. Each day, clip
on a small counter that records every step you take. Then log
your step totals online to track your progress along famous
American routes—Lewis & Clark Trail, Alaska Military
Highway, Appalachian Trail, or Highway 50.
Get Fit on Route
66
This is a fun, nostalgic trip down America's most famous
highway—The Mother Road, Main Street of America—from
the shores of Lake Michigan to the California coast. Choose from
66 activities—including walking. Your exercise minutes are
converted to miles along the highway. Visit our Route 66 Diner
for recipes or try the Backseat Driver feature where friends can
opt in to see each other's progress.
Related Articles
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Staying Motivated
Read the many articles on AARP's site that will help you stay the course and keep walking.
