6 Incredible Brain Boosting Benefits of Walking

30-Second Summary

In this article, we’ll look into the amazing health benefits walking has toward brain health and cognitive function. Scientific studies show how incredible even the shortest of walks can be for the brain. We’ll be looking at how walking as a form of physical exercise can improve:

• Thinking and memory skills
• Creativity
• Mood
• Learning capacity
• Reduce age-related cognitive decline, depression, and the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia

You’ll walk away with a clear understanding and methods to help with your brain-boosting journey.

Introduction

Despite what most people think, you don’t need a trendy new gym membership to reap the health benefits workout routines could offer.

Walking is something that you probably already do regularly without even thinking about – whether that’s while running around doing simple chores or commuting to your local store – make it one of the most underrated and unrecognized forms of exercise. The incredible aspect of this underestimated form of working out is that time and time again, science has shown us that walking can boost brainpower and physical health exponentially.

The best part is that walking doesn’t have to take hours out of your busy daily schedule, nor does it have to include a fast-paced hike to benefit from this brain-boosting form of exercise. Seriously! All you need is half an hour free per day dedicated to walking because research shows that even a 20 to 30-minute walk can completely change your brain – for the better!

6 Incredible Brain Boosting Benefits of Walking

People are becoming more knowledgeable about the benefits exercise can have on the brain. The increase in awareness is due to science confirming it through a plethora of studies.

Research shows that physical exercise can improve thinking and memory skills, creativity, mood, learning capacity while at the same time reducing age-related cognitive decline, depression, and the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Not to mention, walking can also act in ways to calm your mind and body.

1. Boosts Brain Health 

One way to improve the effects that walking has on the brain is to combine the activity with routine supplementation of products specifically designed to enhance brain function.

Neuriva is a health supplement formulated by Schiff Vitamins to enhance optimal brain function. It contains natural substances that may improve cell to cell communication within the brain.

Similar to the rest of your body, the brain can also show signs of aging and begin to lose memory, focus, attention, concentration, and all-around cognitive ability. One of the key ingredients in Neuriva is Phosphatidylserine, which is effective in helping to improve and optimize long-term brain health.

2. Lifts Mood 

In a 2016 study where researchers conducted different types of experiments on hundreds of students, subjects experienced enhanced mood while routinely walking. The researchers concealed each experiment, not giving the real reason for the test and insinuating that they were studying something else, while at the same time tracking the mood changes linked to walking. Their findings showed that a mere 12 minutes of walking could boost brain power and increase vigor, self-confidence, and attentiveness when compared to the same exact time spent sitting or lounging around.

3. Enhances Creativity 

A study by Stanford found that walking enhanced creativity and inspiration by approximately 60%. The effect on creativity became more evident after walking for approximately 16 minutes.

Increased brainpower is specific to a type of creativity coined “divergent thinking,” which is a process used to produce creative ideas while exploring alternative solutions and outcomes.

4. Reduces Anxiety 

Walking for anxiety sounds ridiculous. After all, you walk daily and feel as if you still experience symptoms of anxiety. Yet, how frequently you’re walking and the times at which you’re walking can make a significant difference in your capacity to cope with moments of stress and anxiety.

Nevertheless, if you’re already a frequent walker and haven’t noticed improved anxiety, you can also try different supplements to lessen the symptoms.

Brillia is a supplement formulated to help relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity. The outcomes with its use are quite noteworthy — improved concentration, focus, and cognitive clarity.

This product is grounded in science and clinical reports. When you combine Brillia with the company-proven 5-pillar program, it may deliver a holistic solution to anxiety.

5. Improves Memory Function 

If your aim is to sharpen memory and recall, then head out to a power walk. In one German study, the memory function of participants improved when they were allowed to walk at their own pace versus a slower speed set by the researcher.

The results became more pronounced and evident in the younger-aged study participants, yet everyone’s memory improved enough to show a correlation between brain health and walking.

6. Provides A Good Rhythm When Thinking 

One of the most fascinating areas of walking research tries to understand is how it affects our thinking, specifically the rhythm and pace at which our thoughts occur.

Studies examined the rhythm and interplay of our thought patterns. Results show that walking induces the correct rhythm for critical thinking.

The same can also be said for the ways to calm your mind and body that walking offers. One can presume that some of the mental health benefits of walking are due to the rhythmical balancing of thought processes. Say bye-bye to overthinking.

Conclusion

While walking perhaps may not make you break out into a sweat quite like a Pilates class or running does, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that it’s a less effective form of exercise. Going on a twenty or thirty-minute walk around your local neighborhood or park, or even something as simple as opting to walk to work instead of riding the bus or driving, will help keep your brain healthy and improve all cognitive functions in the long run. It further acts as a preventative measure toward age-related cognitive decline.

So, next time you find yourself overthinking whether or not to sign up for a new gym before making any rash decisions, why not try daily walking instead. Both your brain and pocket will thank you!

Read Also: 4-Day Workout Routine for Women to Get Stronger and Toned