Catherine Clark

 Walk Your Way to Better Mental Health: How Daily Steps Can Reduce Depression

We often hear that staying active is good for our physical health, but did you know that simply increasing your daily step count could also support your mental well-being?

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis examined data from nearly 100,000 adults and found a clear link between higher daily step counts and fewer depressive symptoms. 

Key Findings:

• Taking at least 5,000 steps per day was associated with fewer depressive symptoms.                   
• Walking 7,000+ steps per day was linked to a reduced risk of developing depression.
• Even small increases—an extra 1,000 steps per day—were associated with a lower risk of depression.                       
• The mental health benefits of walking applied across all age groups and genders.

What This Means for You:

The good news? You don’t need to hit 10,000 steps a day to see benefits. Simply moving more—whether through walking, dancing, or even pacing while on the phone—can make a real difference in your mental well-being. If you’re feeling low, consider setting a step goal and making movement a regular part of your routine.

This study highlights how step-based physical activity could be a simple, accessible, and effective way to support mental health. So, lace up your shoes, take a walk, and step towards better well-being—one stride at a time!

Need Support? You’re Not Alone.

If you're experiencing depression or struggling with your mental health, please reach out for support. Help is available:

📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

📞 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (mental health support)

📞 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (for those in distress)

You deserve support—don’t hesitate to reach out.

Source:

Bizzozero-Peroni, B., Díaz-Goñi, V., Jiménez-López, E., Rodríguez-Gutiérrez, E., Sequí-Domínguez, I., Núñez de Arenas-Arroyo, S., López-Gil, J. F., Martínez-Vizcaíno, V., & Mesas, A. E. (2024). Daily Step Count and Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA network open, 7(12), e2451208. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.51208

Photo sourced from: href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/walking-exercise">Walking Exercise Stock photos by Vecteezy</a>