Walking Therapy
Usually when we think of the health benefits of walking, the focus is on fitness and/or losing weight. But there are other health benefits to be gotten from a walking regimen. Walking regularly tends to improve one's overall sense of wellbeing and happiness. Hence, walking can be a form of therapy for some people and have a very positive affect on their lives.
Ongoing aerobic walking has been found to promote mental health and a general sense of wellbeing because it boosts energy, improves sleep, relieves tension and stress, and combats anxiety and depression. A successful fitness and health walking regimen also improves self-esteem and provides an internalized sense of accomplishment.
The National Institute of Mental Health examined the effects of exercise on mental health and acknowledged that there is a demonstrated link between physical fitness and mental health. It deems exercise to be generally beneficial for emotional health regardless of age or gender.
Walking can help relieve muscle tension and stress, which in turn improves mood and mental outlook. For many people, walking with others provides a stress-reducing opportunity to socialize. Others indulge in beneficial internal conversations when they walk alone. Generally speaking, physically fit people seem to be better able to cope with stressful life changes.
Regular exercise like walking relieves the symptoms of depression. Routine exercise three times a week or more has been shown to act as a mood elevator for people suffering from clinical depression. Consequently, an overwhelming majority of doctors prescribe exercise for treating depression; 60 percent of them also prescribe exercise to treat anxiety.
It is widely accepted within the mental health community that long-term exercise reduces depression in people who are moderately depressed. One study showed exercise was as effective as psychotherapy at relieving moderate depression. Regular exercise also appears to complement professional treatment, including psychotherapy, medication and electroshock for those who are severely depressed.
Ultimately a walking regimen improves your sense of self-reliance and control. It provides an opportunity to set and achieve goals, to see and measure personal improvement. Walking also promotes feelings of pleasure and general wellbeing by encouraging the production of endorphins in your body.
So why are you wasting time reading about how good walking is for you and not out there doing it? You've got nothing to lose and much to gain. Put on your walking shoes and get going!
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