A little or a lot, moving the feet can benefit the brain.
WHAT
It’s common to isolate yourself when the mood is low. With my own experience of a mental health condition, I needed to stay away from others. I couldn’t go anywhere, I didn’t want to see anyone, and I had no energy for anything outside of myself. Staying home, in a darkened room with the blankets pulled over my head was where I needed to be. Until a friend showed up, picked up my shoes, and wouldn’t leave until I put them on my feet. We were going for a walk.
WHY
Moving the body has obvious physical benefits, with increases in muscle and bone strength, body composition changes, better breathing capacity, all that good stuff. The brain reaps the benefits too, and can be a powerful tool when supporting yourself while going through a challenging time. The stress response lowers, blood flow increases to brain and body, endorphins can boost the mood, and there can be an improvement in sleep. Numerous studies have shown that incidences of depression can be reduced and even prevented when walking was a daily activity.
HOW
Start small. Some days just putting your shoes on and walking around the backyard or down the driveway to check the mail is enough. Another day, try to go a little further, perhaps to the end of your street, and then even around the block. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, the goal is not how far or how long you’ve walked, it’s to get out there and walk. Two minutes, an hour, just walk. Put one foot in front of the other, nourishing the brain with movement. I’m off to put my shoes on.
