Managing Anxiety Tip 2: Walk Outside and Breathe Deeply

Walking outside and breathing deeply can increase feelings of calmness.

Research has shown that walking, especially at a brisk pace, increases oxygen to the brain which increases ‘feel good’ hormones. A study by Edwards and Loprinzi (see below) found that walking even 10 minutes often improved people’s moods. Increased ‘feel good’ hormones counters stress and anxiety.

Walking with intentional deep breathing enhances the positive effects of walking. Most people when feeling anxious and/or stressed breathe in a shallow manner. Breathing deeply calms the nervous system. Work and home pressures can build up within us and taking a walk helps us to release these pressures and have a positive change of environment. Going outside helps one ‘walk away’ from stress and worry environments into a more peaceful environment. Green plants and flowers have an uplifting and calming effect and can often be found in a nearby park or pretty walkway.

Next time you feel anxious and stressed, take a brisk walk outside and breathe deeply!

Edwards MK, Loprinzi PD. Experimental effects of brief, single bouts of walking and meditation on mood profile in young adults. Health Promot Perspect. 2018;8(3):171-178. Published 2018 Jul 7. doi:10.15171/hpp.2018.23