by Koren Allen

Created on: January 10, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Have you ever found yourself so stressed out that you can't concentrate? Our lives are filled with stress. We never seem to have enough time to get everything done, and keeping up with it all just scatters our mental energy in so many different directions that we don't know where to start. Surprisingly, one of the best solutions for a busy and overcomplicated life is simple and easy - take a walk.

We all know we should exercise more. Walking can help keep muscles toned and healthy, burn fat, and make you look and feel better physically. But have you ever considered the benefits of walking for your mental health? Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins in your brain, which elevate your mood. It also carries more oxygen to your brain, and just like every other system in our bodies, the brain works just works better when it has plenty of oxygen. Walking can also relieve the minor joint pain that sometimes goes along with sitting at a desk all day.

Taking a quick walk also relieves stress because you are giving yourself permission to literally walk away from your worries for a little while. Even a short walk is beneficial. It's free, can be done nearly anywhere, and the only equipment required is a good pair of athletic shoes.

If you choose to take a walk with a friend or a trusted coworker, walking provides the added benefit of social interaction. We all know that our problems seem smaller if we talk them through with a good friend, and acting as someone else's confidant can sometimes help you forget your own worries for a little while. Don't forget the wonderful effects of laughter as well. A quick lunchtime walk with a good friend can give your mind a much-needed break, and you will feel 100% better when you return to your work.

Walking alone also has tremendous mental health benefits. Most of us do not spend enough time alone with our thoughts. It seems there is always someone needing our attention, some problem to solve or some fire to put out. The rhythmic motion of walking, and the rhythmic breathing pattern that accompanies it, can bring about a quiet, contemplative state of mind. It can connect you to your environment as you notice the details of your surroundings that you cannot see when driving. Most importantly, letting your mind wander as you walk allows you to think about your problems in a detached, relaxed way because you are, at the moment, separate from the situation.

So the next time you find your mind racing and your muscles tensing up from the stress of your day, give yourself a few minutes and walk your way back to a calm, focused frame of mind. Your work will still be there when you get back, but you may find yourself better prepared to handle it.

Learn more about this author, Koren Allen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.