What are the benefits of walking for brain health? You might be surprised to learn that even simple activities like walking can improve brainpower. You don't have to go all out for power walking. Your brain can benefit from even a short walk every twenty to thirty minutes during your lunch break. Here are eight reasons science has shown that walking is good for your brain.

8 Benefits of Walking for Brain Health to Improve Wellness

If you're like most people, you probably think of walking as a pretty basic activity. But did you know that walking can actually have some amazing benefits for your brain health? Here are eight reasons why hitting the pavement might be a good idea for keeping your noggin in top shape.

1. Walking Lowers Your Chance of Suffering from Depression

Walking can be a great way to improve your mental well-being. A 2018 study found that moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, can increase brain health and reduce your chance of developing depression by one-third.

2. Walking Enhance Your Cognitive Function

Numerous studies have demonstrated that twenty-to-30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, such as walking, can improve cognitive function and memory.

3. Walking Stimulates Endorphins

Walking for ten minutes is all it takes to get your brain releasing endorphins. These brain chemicals lower stress levels, improve mental health, and make you happy. Have you heard about the runners' high? You can feel the same positive rush with a quick walk.

4. Walking Releases Brain's Magic Protein

Recent neurological research has revealed that there is a "magic protein" called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, also known as BDNF, which can boost your brain's power and improve your memory. It may even lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease, according to scientists. It can be stimulated through cardiovascular exercise, and keep your brain in top condition.

BDNF is able to rewire the brain and create new neural pathways, particularly in areas that control memory (the hippocampus), and analysis, thinking and decision-making in the frontal lobes. The brain's intellectual activity is concentrated in the frontal lobes. This includes processing all of the data coming in, problem-solving, and ethical decision making. You can maintain BDNF in these vital parts of your brain by increasing your exercise.

5. Walking Lowers Physical and Mental Fatigue

The University of Georgia discovered that just three sessions per week of low-intensity exercises like walking can reduce fatigue levels up to 65 percent in a 2008 study.

6. Walking Builds Hippocampus Strength

The brain's key component for creating and storing memories is your hippocampus. Even short walks can increase your hippocampus' size and efficiency, according to research.

7. Walking Increases Creativity

Philosophers, writers, artists, and poets all know the value of walking to clear blocks in creativity and get inspiration flowing again. A 2014 Stanford University study has shown that walking can increase your creativity output by as much as sixty percent.

8. Walking Increases Blood Flow to the Brain

Every organ of your body needs blood, including your brain. This magical twenty-minute period is enough to increase blood flow to your brain and keep it healthy and active.

How to Make Exercise a Habit

As seen above, walking is great for your body and brain. While we all know that exercise is important, sometimes it's hard to be consistent with it.

Here are a few ways to make exercising a habit:

Make it Fun

It is important to find an activity that you are passionate about in order to keep your exercise routine going. There are other ways to get your heart rate up and the BDNF pumping, even if you don't like going to the gym.

You'll love dancing, swimming, hiking in the natural world, and biking. Even walking briskly can help. Exercise will also make you feel happier and more relaxed.

Schedule Your Exercise

Scheduling time in your calendar will make it easier to keep to a consistent exercise program. You can set aside time to increase the number of sessions, until you are exercising for 30 minutes each day, four to five times per week. It will become a regular part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth.

Make It Musical

Music can be a motivator and a way to increase happiness. Research has proven this. Music can make exercise more enjoyable. You can make housework a dance move if you are singing along to your favorite tunes. Turn up the volume, and get cleaning!

You will find it much more enjoyable to create a playlist with your favorite songs.

Wrapping Up How Walking Can Build Up the Brain

So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your brain health and improve your wellness, consider adding regular walks into your routine. Not only are they great for your physical health, but they can also help keep your mind sharp and reduce your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

What are you waiting for? lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement! Are there any other benefits of walking that we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

About Flow Total Wellness:

Flow Total Wellness is a blog that focuses on self-improvement and personal growth, as well as mental health and wellness. The goal of the blog is to help people understand themselves better in order to improve their lives. Learn how to be more productive in life and at work. Topics include positive mindset, stress management, and tips for mental well-being.

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