08/14/2026
And if you walk with a friend, it's mental therapy! I love my walks with Sam!
A walk may be one of the simplest ways to change your state of mind.
Walking increases blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body, including the brain. It also supports neuroplasticity through factors such as BDNF, a protein involved in learning, memory, and the growth of new neural connections.
In a Stanford study, walking increased creative output by an average of 60% compared with sitting. The effect occurred whether participants walked outside or on a treadmill, suggesting that the movement itself helped unlock more divergent thinking.
You do not need a complicated routine to support your brain.
Take a walk without your phone. Let your eyes take in the distance, allow your mind to wander, and give your nervous system room to reset.
