Walking Can Reduce Depression Risk: A Study Reveals Counting Daily Steps Works Wonders
A study has revealed that a low-effort and simple walking habit can reduce the symptoms of depression in a person. People who walk outdoors can benefit from counting their steps daily.
Counting steps every day is the bare minimum that a person can do to keep themselves fit. People who count their steps daily will want to increase their steps everyday and reduce their symptoms of depression in the process, a study revealed.
People want to considerably improve their step count daily, and this habit can save them from falling prey to symptoms of depression.
Benefits of Counting Steps Daily
The researchers of the study found there is a connection between mental wellbeing and exercise. People who exercise daily are actually indulging themselves in a natural antidepressant. Walking can be no less beneficial as a matter of fact. Although walking is a low-effort exercise, it has helped many people around the world alleviate their depression symptoms.
The study further revealed that tracking the walking steps of a person on a daily basis can positively impact the wellbeing of a person.
Small Steps Can Make a Difference
Daily step count should not have to be a higher number to positively influence the wellbeing of a person. A modest increase in the step count e of a person can reduce the likelihood of depression in people.
People who can take a thousand extra steps a day would decrease their depression proneness by 9 per cent compared to people who walk almost or fewer than 5000 steps. As the step count continues to increase, the mental health of a person can become stronger.
Mental health experts recommend walking 7000 steps a day to lower their chance of depression by 31 per cent. They can lower the risk of depression of a person by 43 per cent even by walking 7,500 steps daily. The results apply to the age group of everyone.
The biggest drop in depression was visible on 10,000 steps. Walking a lot more than this did not show any significant results on depression in people. Other than walking, there are many physical activities which can further reduce depression like tai chi, training, and yoga.
The chronic feelings of sadness and emptiness can make a person depressed. People can strengthen their muscles and bones by exercising regularly like simply going for a walk. Counting steps on going for a walk daily can reduce the dependence of a person on psychotherapy and antidepressants considerably. Older adults, especially people aged over 50, can benefit the most from counting their steps daily. The study further revealed that 20-minutes of walking every day for 5 weeks reduced depression risk among adults. People who went for a walk and counted their steps daily were less likely to fall prey to cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Overall, the researchers recommended people to indulge in regular physical activity in order to keep depression at pay and live healthily.
