Walking for just 30 minutes per day five days per week has been found to boost energy, help adults feel more confident and healthier, and even improve their ability to complete daily tasks — all traits that can help to lift mood and fight depressive symptoms.
In fact, exercise can play such a major role in the fight against depression that research has shown burning off just 350 calories three times per week through moderate exercise, such as walking, can reduce the symptoms of depression almost as effectively as antidepressant medication. Exercise such as walking can also work in combination with therapy and medications to control and treat severe depression.
Another benefit of walking on a regular basis, especially outdoors, is an increase in vitamin D levels. A deficiency of vitamin D has been linked with an increased risk of depression as well as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
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