The remarkable science of walking's feel-good effects
/snip
According to a study published in Lancet Psychiatry that analysed data over four years from 1.2 million people in the United States, individuals who exercise had 43 per cent fewer days of bad mental health during the previous month compared to those who did not exercise.
So, what’s going on? What is it about walking in particular that has such a positive effect on us?
When we look at the psychology, neuroscience and biochemistry that develop when we put one foot in front of another, we discover very powerful reasons behind those great feelings.
Firstly, walking increases levels of “feel good” chemicals in our brains. We see a rise in the release of endorphins; a group of peptide hormones that relieve pain and create a general sense of wellbeing. And there is an increased flow of particular neurotransmitters, these are the body’s chemical messengers; used by the nervous system to transmit messages between neurons in the brain or between the brain and the muscles. Going for a stroll increases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, anandamide and norepinephrine which help create a more open and spacious mindset.
Walking promotes our sense of empathy. This is because when we walk we activate the right supramarginal gyrus, this is the area of the brain involved in proprioception – our ability to understand where we are in space – and without it we would randomly bump into objects and have no capacity to navigate. But the supramarginal gyrus is also the part of the brain activated when we empathise with others. Walking inadvertently opens us up to people and their ideas, and knowing we are not alone – being able to more easily connect to people around us – can help break the rumination that sometimes accompanies challenging mental states.
https://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/the-remarkable-science-of-walking-s-feel-good-effects-20220106-p59mey.html
= new reply since forum marked as read
And consistent with my own personal experience. I've found that even walking on a treadmill at a slow to moderate pace for 30 mimutes per day results in a much more clear mindset.
It'sway too humid for me to walk outdoors here, so I need to purchase a new treadmill.
Ty for sharing!
I found a new 5km circuit yesterday. Oops gotta go - friends have arrived for day at the beach. Back at ya later.
Saves your brain too, from commercials. 
I've always had dogs so it's a twofer to walk six or seven kms each morning. For years I've believed in the saying, "A tired dog is a happy dog." The same apparently applies to humans.
When I feel the walls closing in on me, I head outdoors.
A change of scenery does wonders.
But I've also noticed in my neighborhood and others nearby, that walkers show a LOT more consideration than drivers. Even if it's just a "Good morning!" or other greeting, most people respond.
And among my own neighbors (some I've known for decades, others are newly met), it's not uncommon to pause a stroll to chat about how everybody's doing. Even those with headphones or ear-buds seem to pause their playlist long enough to chat.
It's helped me keep a feeble grasp on my sanity!
I don't go there anymore because of the pandemic. 😏
Thx for the happy reminder.
