Walking For Stress Relief – 5 Ways To Relieve Stress

Hey, my friend! Do you know how great is walking for stress relief?

In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to reduce stress, relax and find more joy.

In fact, it also helps you to become more mindful. Of course, there many more benefits of walking.

But today I will talk about how walking is good for stress relief and what you can do to use this method to enjoy your life more.

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Walking For Stress Relief

Recently, I read an article which stated that reading is better, more effective for stress relief than walking. One study showed it but I know from my experience that walking is one of the best ways to relieve stress. We also need different methods to reduce stress because who likes doing the same things over and over again?

Walking has emotional benefits that include stress reduction. Physical activity can calm your jangled nerves and improve bad moods and even help combat depression. A research showed, that a brisk (30-minute) walk can have the same calming effect as a mild tranquilizer.

Why does walking help with stress relief? How?

A physical activity triggers the release of endorphins (potent brain chemicals) that stimulate relaxation and relieve pain. The higher levels of endorphins, the better you feel. It calms you down.

Stroll Toward Relaxation

If you want to reduce stress by walking, you don’t need to push yourself too hard. At least one study showed that a comfortable stroll can be as effective as a brisk walk. But you need to use your mind while you are walking.

One research showed that if you meditate while you walk the benefits were equal to those who practice brisk walking. People who meditated, while they walked were more positive and reported decreases in anxiety.

But if you think that relaxation exercises are boring, go for a brisk walk. It is also a good way to reduce stress.

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5 Ways How Walking Helps to Reduce Stress

There are at least five ways how walking helps to reduce stress.

1. Spending Time Outdoors Reduces Stress

I believe we all know that spending time in nature helps with stress reduction. I wrote three articles about how nature can help you with stress relief.

I always feel refreshed after a walk in nature. I live in a small city by the world’s standards, and there are trees everywhere. Trees and other natural elements calm me down, and I find a sense of serenity. But don’t take only my word for it. There are several studies on this theme.

Spending time in outdoor not only relieves stress but also improves memory and energy levels. If you want to alleviate stress, try walking outside for 20-30 minutes several times per week, and you will see the results for sure.

2. It Can Put You In a Meditative State

When I walk through green spaces, I feel like meditating, and I am not the only one. According to research, walking in nature can put your brain into a meditative state. I enjoy a walk in the park when I admire the beautiful landscape and trees that I love so much. Of course, it helps me to reduce stress and anxiety that sometimes bother me. It is like a walking meditation, and you can try some of these following exercises and just enjoy being in the outdoors. We all spend a lot of time inside, and we need to be more in nature because we are part of it even if we sometimes forget about that.

Walking in nature can make you less stressful and quite your mind.

3. Walking With Friends

Social support from friends and loved ones lowers levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and improve stress resilience. You can make your daily walk as a group activity, and in that way, you can relieve stress much easier and get other benefits like decrease stress responsiveness and lower blood pressure.

4. Walking Boosts Energy

Do you feel that walking helps boost your energy? Are you feel less fatigue after a walk?

According to a study, people experience a boost in energy (20 percent) and a reduction in fatigue (65 percent) after walking.

5. Walking Increases Stress-Busting Endorphins

Do you know that brisk walking boosts endorphins? They can reduce stress and help improve self-esteem and mood, according to WebMD.

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Conclusion

Now you see how walking benefits you and can help with stress relief. If you want to reduce stress and see other benefits of walking, you need to remember to walk daily.

Did you enjoy this article? What do you think about walking? Does it help you with stress relief and boost your energy? Let me know below!

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If you are interested in learning more about meditation, CLICK HERE Now. 

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Thank you for being here! Until next time!

Have a great walk!

Linda Mo

Founder of How To Reduce Stress Naturally