Walking. It’s one of those things we have to do — whether you’re getting a glass of water or heading into work. But it’s also a powerful tool we can use to our benefit. Going for a walk can do a lot for your body and your mind.

Here are five serious upsides of heading out for a stroll. 

You get moving

We’ll start with the obvious: walking is exercise. It might not seem on par with a serious gym session, but it ticks all the boxes. A brisk stroll gets your heart rate up. It releases endorphins. A walk can even help you strengthen your muscles. 

The CDC recommends that all adults get a certain amount of physical activity in any given week. If you opt for brisk walking, clocking 150 minutes per week — or about a half hour on five days — is enough to meet that requirement. 

You get outside

Getting outdoors can help with everything from your sleep to your energy levels. And going for a walk gives you a way to get out into the fresh air. Being outside is shown to boost levels of serotonin, the mood-stabilizing hormone that helps us feel more satisfied and content.

A walk around your neighborhood will do, but if you have the chance, try to walk somewhere less developed. Venture around your local park, along the beach, or up a hiking trail. If you are up for it, go ahead and touch the soil and connect to what grounds us. Getting into nature can go a long way toward improving how you feel. 

You get a mood boost

Because it’s exercise and because it’s outdoors, going for a walk helps you feel better mentally. You can try this for yourself. If you’re having trouble focusing at work or you’re in the middle of a frustrating day, use your next break to walk around the block. How do you feel after? Better? 

This isn’t necessarily a short-term perk, either. Physical activity like walking can support your overall mental health, even helping to lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

You get physical perks

Going for a walk does more than help you tick the box for physical activity each week. That activity helps your body function at its best. Specifically, walking can:

• Prevent heart disease and stroke
• Prevent certain types of cancer 
• Lower your blood pressure
• Make your bones and muscles stronger
• Improve your balance 

You get to explore

Sure, you could walk the same loop every day. But going for a walk also gives you the chance to explore what’s around you. Maybe there’s a park a mile away that you’ve always wanted to check out. Or maybe a new coffee shop opened up in the next neighborhood over. 

You can use your walk to check out new places and see new things. You might even notice that your street has trees that are blooming this summer. Trust us, this type of discovery and small adventure can feel more satisfying than it may sound.

Long story short, going for a walk can be a great way to boost your physical and mental health. It might be just one piece of your wellness puzzle. For more support for your mental wellness, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our therapists. You can contact us at Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center in Ventura or the West Valley Counseling Center in Tarzana.