People everywhere say that exercise is good for the body and mind. So how much exercise should you add to your daily routine? How many steps do you need to take each day to lose weight, according to experts? No matter how strong your body is, taking regular walks in the fresh air is also important for your mental health. The results of a new study from the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain show just how important this is. The study, based on data from more than 96,000 adults, offers insight into how exercise can reduce the risk of depression. It doesn’t matter how many steps you take: How many steps should you take each day to reduce your risk of depression?
Here’s how many steps you should take each day, according to the study:
Researchers analyzed 33 studies and found that more exercise was linked to fewer symptoms of depression. The good news is that you don’t have to be a marathon runner to reap these benefits. Studies have shown that even taking just 5,000 steps a day can improve your mental health. Statistics show that people who take 7,000 or more steps a day are at a lower risk of depression. This shows that even small changes in daily life can have a big impact.
Why is exercise so important?
Counting steps may seem simple, but the results are clear: Exercise can improve blood circulation, release endorphins, and revitalize our body and mind. Exercise can also help reduce stress and calm our minds, which are important for our health.
Nothing is clear
While the results are encouraging, the study authors said more research is needed. Whether walking more will reduce symptoms of depression or whether a reduction in depression will make people more resilient remains an open question. But getting enough exercise is still important, and a good guideline for your daily health goal of at least 5,000 steps a day is a good guide.
