8 WAYS WALKING CAN IMPROVE YOUR BRAIN

1. Walking Helps Lower Your Risk of Depression

Walking is an excellent way to improve your mental health. A study by the Mayo Clinic showed that any moderate aerobic exercise (like brisk walking), can ease symptoms of depression or anxiety and make you feel better. Walking may also help keep depression and anxiety from coming back, once you’re feeling better.  

2. Walking Improves Your Cognitive Function

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 as well, a Harvard University study recently reported.

3. Walking Stimulates Endorphins

Just ten minutes of walking can spark your brain to release endorphins. Endorphins (a chemical in our brain), trigger a positive feeling in the body, like that of morphine. Endorphins also lower stress, boost your mental health, and make you feel good. If you want a similar ‘high’, all you need is a brisk walk!

4. Walking Releases the Brain’s Magic Protein

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been dubbed the brain’s ‘magic protein’ because it has been proven to be associated with cognitive improvement and the alleviation of depression and anxiety. BDNF helps to rewire and build new brain pathways. Scientists believe it can even help lower your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. Cardiovascular exercise is an easy way to stimulate the production of BDNF, and keep your brain in peak condition.

5. Walking Lowers Physical and Mental Fatigue

A 2008 study by the University of Georgia found that three sessions a week of a low-intensity exercise (like walking), can reduce your fatigue by as much as 65 percent. Isn’t it worth a try?

6. Walking Builds Hippocampus Strength

Your hippocampus is the key part of the brain for learning and retaining memories. Research has shown that even brief walks can increase the size and efficiency of your hippocampus.

7. Walking Improves Creativity

Artists, writers, and philosophers have long known the importance of walking. Walking helps clear blocked creativity, and gets inspiration flowing again. This theory can be backed up by science! A 2014 study by Stanford University shows that walking increases your creative output by up to sixty percent!

8. Walking Increases Blood Flow to the Brain

Blood is vital for every organ in your body, but most especially, your brain. Keeping active for twenty minutes is all it takes to increase the blood flow to your brain. What an easy way to keep it active and healthy.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it! 8 proven ways that show how walking can improve your brain. If you can do just one thing (walking) to improve your body and your brain, why wouldn’t you? (Provided you are physically able to, of course). Who couldn’t use an improvement in brain function and clarity?

Here is another interesting article about your brain and social intelligence.

We wish you continued health and wellness. We are all in this together and together we will come out the other side!