Most exercise is associated with mental health benefits. However, in many cases, no single exercise, including walking, alone can cure clinical ailments such as depression and anxiety.
It’s just that exercise like walking can help your mood improve.
“How does walking affect mood? Most people can function in a sympathetic or more stressed state. Well, exercise can get people into a parasympathetic or more relaxed state,” says the US Medicine Physiotherapist. sports at Stanford Medicine, Michael Fredericson.
Also, the increased blood flow to the brain produces more endorphins. “This is what can help us reset, recharge and refocus ourselves,” says Michael.
4. Fact: Walking aids immune and digestive function
Michael also revealed the fact that walking can improve a person’s immune function. This is because light exercise like walking can boost the immune system.
“Not to mention, when you walk or exercise, you increase your heart rate and blood flow, which increases the circulation of immune cells in your body,” she says.