Walking, as opposed to sitting or standing, “will almost certainly result in increased feelings of pleasant energy. And that’s true whether you expect this to occur or not.”

– Jeff Miller, Ph.D., Visiting Professor of Psychology,  Saint Xavier University.

In a series of intriguing studies, Miller and coauthor Zlatan Krizan, Ph.D showed that, the very act of walking lifts our mood, independent of environment or intention.  Walking keeps your spirits up, even under conditions that are less than favourable and has benefits even if you’re strolling down a drab hallway, facing a dreaded chore afterwards, or just trudging a treadmill…

“If you are feeling disengaged or sluggish, and you desire to energize yourself, take a brisk walk around the block or through the cubicles,” says Miller. “Your feelings of engagement will very likely increase, and all those things you might have wanted to be doing should seem less imposing.”

Even a brief walk may have immediate benefits for mood (not least your body!), such as an energized, engaged state of mind, feelings of interest, alertness, joy, excitement and enthusiasm.

So get off that butt – and get strolling!!

Read the full article by Linda Wasamer Andrews (Psychology Today, August 18 2016)