Moderate exercise can enhance our mood and reduce our risk for health problems.

Walking might be just what the doctor ordered for relieving the stress associated with life events.

“Getting moderate exercise such as walking can enhance our mood while it strengthens our hearts and reduces our risk for diabetes, cancer and numerous other health issues,” says Julie Garden-Robinson, food and nutrition specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

The research has shows that walking promotes the release of brain chemicals called endorphins that stimulate relaxation and improve our mood. Best of all, walking does not have to be done at a fast pace to have stress-relieving benefits. Even a stroll at a comfortable pace promotes relaxation, studies indicate.

Moderate exercise can enhance your mood and reduce risk of health complications. Now that’s a win win!

I recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. If you are new to getting your body moving you may need to build up! Maybe you have a hectic schedule and large chunks of time to move your body is a challenge. Well, even 10- or 15-minute increments of physical activity can have positive health benefits.

I recommend getting outside for your walk, however, walking for fitness or stress relief can honestly be done almost anywhere you feel safe… a shopping mall, a treadmill, or indoor track at a local community center, or outdoors.

It is important to keep an eye on chronic stress with the goal of reducing chronic stress. This is because ongoing stress puts us at greater risk for developing physical complications, including heart disease and some types of cancer. Stress can also have an effect on your appetite. Making weight management a challenge.