A recent study has revealed that the simple act of walking, even for just a few minutes, can significantly enhance our mood. Interestingly, it doesn’t matter where, why, or with whom we walk, nor does it hinge on our expectations of the walk’s outcome.
Psychologists have uncovered that the mood-boosting effects of walking stem from the physical movement itself, which is deeply ingrained in our evolutionary history of seeking rewards like food. This finding, published in the journal Emotion by researchers from The Iowa State University, is the first of its kind to isolate the impact of movement from other factors typically associated with exercise.
The study, conducted across three separate experiments with undergraduate students, aimed to eliminate bias by keeping participants unaware of the true objectives.
In the first two studies, students who engaged in a 12-minute walk, whether in a group tour of campus buildings or a solitary walk inside a building, reported significantly improved mood compared to those who sat and viewed photographs or watched videos of the same tours.
Even when participants were induced with “dread” by being told they had to write an essay after the walk, the positive mood effects persisted.
The final study involved students watching a video alone, either while sitting, standing, or walking on a treadmill. Once again, those who walked reported higher positive mood scores compared to their stationary counterparts.
Lead authors Jeffrey Miller and Zlatan Krizan concluded that people often underestimate the mood-boosting benefits of a simple walk, as they tend to focus on perceived barriers rather than the eventual positive effects.
This study underscores the power of movement in improving emotional well-being, highlighting the importance of incorporating short walks into daily routines for overall mental health.
