Walking Could Help To Decrease Depression, Review Finds

Walking is effective in helping to decrease depressive symptoms, according to a new review of studies.

Research published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity shows that "walking has a statistically significant, large effect on the symptoms of depression in some populations."

The review showed that walking works as well as other kinds of exercise in helping lower depressive symptoms.

The review included eight studies, evaluating a total of 341 people, which all showed that walking is able to lessen symptoms of depression. But the researchers cautioned that the ways the studies were conducted -- like how long the people walked, at what pace, and how often -- were different from study to study, so more research is needed to find what is the most effective.

"The beauty of walking is that everybody does it," Adrian Taylor, a professor at the University of Exeter who studies depression, addiction and stress, told BBC News.

The Mayo Clinic explained that exercise may help fight depression by prompting the release of chemicals in the brain that are linked with feeling happy, and could also help to calm the body by raising body temperature. It could also help by serving as a distraction, boosting confidence and social interaction, and serving as a "substitute" for more unhealthy coping practices like drinking alcohol.

For more great health benefits of walking, click through the slideshow:

Also on HuffPost:

From our partners

• 39 Deliciously Unexpected Healthy Avocado Recipes - Greatist
• 8 Great Running Apps To Help You Train For Your Next Race - Shape Magazine
• 6 Reasons To Sleep At Least 7 Hours - Everyday Health

Comments

[Stephen Conklin]

02:43 PM on 04/23/2012

Great to know that you do not have to go to extreme to maintain a healthy body. I have always been a big walker for years. I love to run, bike and swim as well. Now that I am over 50, I do not play much basketball like I did in the teen and 20's, but who does? I need to get a handle on a healthy diet.

[jools6009]

01:17 AM on 04/23/2012

Walking at a brisk pace for one hour a day will produce positive changes in a person's mood, stamina, and improves overall health. Try it, you like it.

[Mark Ivar Myhre]

11:19 PM on 04/22/2012

I'm a big believer in walking. I used to get/be depressed, and walking (at that time) was all I knew to do.

[rewith85man]

08:30 PM on 04/22/2012

For a somewhat crappy life I have, I do go to the park or beach for some relaxation and relief from school, parents, responsibilities, etc.

[Dave Ryan MD]

05:07 PM on 04/22/2012

Nearly all exercise combats depression. Especially cardio-deman exercise.

[takecourage]

12:33 PM on 04/22/2012

These are all reasons I try to walk regularly.

[babybelle]

11:58 AM on 04/22/2012

I walk with my dog everyday.
We just got back from a walk in the rain.

[anfractuous]

04:18 PM on 04/22/2012

Sorry to hear your dog is depressed.

[babybelle]

04:45 PM on 04/22/2012

Huh? I didn't say anyone was depressed.
Maybe it's because we walk everyday.

[jools6009]

01:23 AM on 04/23/2012

Walking with a dog is the greatest!

[Tomtom2]

11:52 AM on 04/22/2012

Unlike running for exercise, I don't experience any injuries. So easy to do. Just push yourself out the door. Love walking before daybreak.