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A short walk improves the mental well-being
Many people suffer from stress and impaired well-being. Not infrequently, sufferers seek professional help for their treatment. Researchers found that having a comfortable walk, especially with desk-bound employees, can improve the well-being of those affected and prevent depression, for example.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut found in their research that a short walk is as successful at maintaining personal wellbeing as regular jogging. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Journal of Health Psychology".
Many people in today's society are doing a job where they sit in the office all the time. All-day sitting and lack of exercise have a negative impact on well-being and physical fitness. Physicians found that even a slow and short walk can lead to a significant improvement in well-being. (Photo: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com) People working in the office should take a walk more often
When people spend their whole day sitting in an office doing their job, it often reduces their well-being. But even light physical activity seems to contribute to improving human well-being, say the experts. The consequences are comparable to the positive effects of exercises such as jogging or faster walking.
Physical activity improves well-being
Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that physical activity in people improves their sense of well-being. However, different intensities of physical activity were more beneficial for some specific people. A light and moderate physical activity clearly promotes well-being in some people. However, there was no positive or negative association between high levels of physical activity and subjective well-being, say the scientists.
What involves light physical activity?
Mild physical activity was classified as the equivalent of a leisurely walk with no noticeable increase in breathing, heart rate or sweating, the authors of the study explain. Moderate activity is equivalent to a faster walk of about 15 to 20 minutes, with an increase in breathing, heart rate and sweating. Concerned are still able to lead a conversation. A so-called strong activity is equivalent to a very fast, pronounced walk or jogging of a mile in 13 minutes, the researchers say. This results in a noticeable increase in breathing, heart rate and sweating to the point at which those affected were no longer able to lead a conversation.
Physicians examine over 400 subjects
The scientists studied 419 healthy middle-aged adults for their study. Subjects wore accelerometers on their hips to track physical activity over a four-day period. Participants had to complete a series of questionnaires about their daily exercise and activity habits and their psychological well-being.
Little activity is better than no activity at all
The effects of physical activity on subjective well-being are extremely interesting. But how much activity is best for humans? Basically, any form of activity is better than doing nothing at all, says author Gregory Panza of the University of Connecticut.
Mild or moderate intensity of physical activity brings the biggest advantage
We hope that this research will help people achieve a higher level of subjective well-being, the study author explains. People without any physical activity need to be informed about how even little physical exercise can improve wellbeing. For physically inactive people, the results of the study are even more promising because they show that hard physical training is not essential to improving well-being. Instead, current results show that mild or moderate intensity of physical activity leads to the greatest improvement in well-being, explains the researchers.
All subjects reported an improvement in well-being
The connection between different types, doses and intensities of physical activity on well-being is a very important step in promoting general physical activity. "Hopefully, the study will help more inactive people to improve their well-being with the help of physical exercise," the researchers conclude. All subjects who participated in the University of Connecticut study reported a positive change in well-being and an overall increase in physical activity. (As)