Walking 5000 Steps a Day May Reduce This Disease

A recent 2024 study highlighted the role of walking in improving mental health, revealing that walking 5000 steps a day can significantly reduce symptoms of depression.

The study, which analyzed 33 research papers involving over 96,000 adults, found that daily walking helps enhance psychological well-being and reduces anxiety.

Depression is one of the leading global health challenges, affecting approximately 280 million people, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Research indicates that physical activity, particularly walking, helps lower stress levels and triggers the release of endorphins, known for their positive impact on mood.

Although 10,000 steps per day is considered an ideal target, studies have shown that walking between 5000 and 7500 steps daily is sufficient to yield significant mental health benefits, including a clear reduction in depression symptoms.

The study also found that adding 1000 steps daily can lower the risk of depression by 9%, while walking 7000 steps or more reduces the risk by up to 31%. Even modest increases, such as going from 3000 to 5000 steps daily, significantly boost mental health.

Regular walking enhances blood circulation and improves communication between brain cells, which helps generate new cells that support cognitive functions and reduce symptoms of depression.

Additionally, walking outdoors provides the added benefit of exposure to natural light, which improves sleep regulation and reduces mood swings.