If you’re looking to boost your mood, you may want to go for a walk.
A recent study found that people who took more than 5,000 steps in a day noticed an improvement with their depression. “Exercise has been linked to different neurotransmitters in the brain that bring a sense of enjoyment,” says Kia-Rai Prewitt, PhD, psychologist at Cleveland Clinic.
“Also, physiologically, it can change our body. So, there’s a lot of benefit to exercise that actually has a direct benefit on our mental health.”
Dr. Prewitt was not part of the study but says the findings are encouraging and show that doing something as simple as going for a walk can benefit your mental health. She notes that some people may have a hard time finding the motivation to get moving when they’re depressed. In those situations, she says it could be helpful to ask a friend or family member to go for a walk with you. They can serve as motivation and hold you accountable. Plus, it gives you the chance to socialize too.
“Sometimes we minimize the importance of social connections. For some people who are introverted, they really value spending time by themselves, and so they may get overwhelmed with a lot of people,” she says. “But if you notice that you’re spending time by yourself most of the time and you’re not engaging with other folks, then you may start to feel lonely or isolated, and so it’s good to make connections with people.”
Dr. Prewitt says, if you notice your depression symptoms don’t seem to be improving with time or they’re interfering with your life, it’s best to consult with a mental health professional.
