It might surprise you to hear that something as simple as walking can actually improve your brainpower. It doesn’t even have to be full-on power walking! Even a twenty- or thirty-minute walk during your lunch break can have a positive impact on your brain. Here are eight ways science has proven that walking is excellent for your brain.
1. Walking Helps Lower Your Risk of Depression
Walking is an excellent way to improve your mental health. A 2018 study showed that any type of moderate aerobic exercise like brisk walking can boost your brain health and lower your risk of developing depression by a third.
2. Walking Improves Your Cognitive Function
A number of studies have shown that twenty to thirty minutes of daily aerobic exercise, such as walking, improves cognitive function and memory.
3. Walking Stimulates Endorphins
Just ten minutes of walking is enough to start your brain releasing endorphins, the brain chemicals that lower stress, boost your mental health and make you feel good. You’ve heard of the runner’s high? Well, you can get a similar positive rush from a brisk walk!
4. Walking Releases the Brain’s Magic Protein
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been dubbed the brain’s ‘magic protein’ as it helps to rewire and build new neural pathways. Scientists believe it can even help lower your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. Cardiovascular exercise is an easy way to stimulate the production of BDNF and keep your brain in peak condition.
5. Walking Lowers Physical and Mental Fatigue
A 2008 study by the University of Georgia found that just three sessions a week of a low-intensity exercise like walking can reduce fatigue levels by as much as 65 percent.
6. Walking Builds Hippocampus Strength
The hippocampus is the key part of the brain for forming and storing memories. Research has shown that even brief walks can actually increase the size and efficiency of your hippocampus.
7. Walking Improves Creativity
Artists, writers and philosophers have long known the importance of walking for clearing blocked creativity and getting inspiration flowing again. This is supported by a 2014 study at Stanford University showing that walking can increase your creative output by up to sixty percent.
8. Walking Increases Blood Flow to the Brain
Blood is vital for every organ in your body, not least of all, your brain. That magic twenty minutes is all it takes to increase the blood flow to your brain helping to keep it active and healthy.
