Walking Can be the Best Medicine when You are Feeling Down or Depressed

Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health

If walking can increase your mood, can it also replace certain anti-depressants? According to several studies, including one from Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the answer is 'yes'!

"We saw a 26% decrease in odds for becoming depressed," says study author Karmel Choi. "This increase in physical activity is what you might see on your activity tracker if you replaced one hour of sitting with one hour of moderate activity like brisk walking."

In addition, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that "physical activity is 1.5 times more effective at reducing mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression, psychological stress, and anxiety than medication or cognitive behavior therapy" according to the study's lead author, Dr. Ben Singh.

It seems that walking can be a first line defense against depression. We are not doctors and cannot recommend a health treatment plan but the research suggests adding walking to your current routine may help!

Walks along the beach may be dwindling in number but your daily walk while you work shouldn’t.  

We all feel blue when we head back indoors after a glorious summer out and about. 

The RiseEight Desk can keep you walking and feeling sunnier every day!

Read the full studies here: Harvard, British Journal of Sports Medicine