Hi, Dóchas community—Alicia here for today’s blog! Need a simple way to boost your mood? Why not try a walk? Today I’m going to talk about walking as therapy.
For myself, movement plays a primary role in managing my mental health. Connecting with nature, spending time with loved ones in the mountains, and unplugged walks, are all ways I love to incorporate movement into my routine. Walking in particular can provide an opportunity to process and reflect on my thoughts and keep my body in motion. Now let’s walk through some of the benefits of walking on our mental health!
Benefits of Walking on Our Mental Health
While many of us are aware of the benefits that movement and exercise have on our mental health and overall well-being, finding movement that is meaningful and enjoyable to us is crucial. In my own journey, I have found that the forms of movement that yield the greatest outcomes on my mental health are the activities that bring me joy, rather than doing a form of exercise because “we should” or someone told us to. Walking meets this criterion for me as it requires minimal resources, can be done practically anywhere, and allows me to connect with nature.
The mental health benefits of walking can include:
- Decreased stressed
- Increased anxiety management
- Boost in energy levels
- Provides social opportunities and time to connect with loved ones
- Improved sleep quality
- Increased self-confidence
Where to Start
While all of this sounds great, scheduling in movement can feel overwhelming and finding a form of movement that feels fulfilling can take time.
First, start by trying something new and have patience in the process. If walking resonates with you, start with a 5-10 minute walk in a space that feels right. As you become more comfortable you may enjoy extending this time, including a friend, or taking your walk from indoors to outdoors.
Movement can be extremely therapeutic and I encourage you to start small and find ways that you can include movement such as walking into your daily routine to enjoy the sunshine, self-reflect, and unplug from daily stressors.
If you are looking to connect and explore the benefits of walking as a form of therapy, I encourage you to reach out to our team for guidance and support. I look forward to walking alongside you in your therapeutic journey, perhaps on a walk around our beautiful community. You can reach out to the clinic by emailing info@dochaspsych.com or calling us at 780 446 0300. Happy walking!
About Dóchas Psychological
Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
