Get out for a walk

Walking can help decrease depression

Get off the couch and go for a walk. Photograph: Thinkstock
Get off the couch and go for a walk. Photograph: Thinkstock

This time of year, it can be all too easy to forget about the outdoors in favour of an evening in front of the fire. But getting off the couch and going out for a walk has a range of benefits.

A recent study published in the Journal Ecopsychology found that group nature walks decreased depression, lowered stress and improved wellbeing. The effect was especially strong for those who had just gone through a stressful life event, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce.

So get off the couch, put on some warm clothes and go out for a walk.