“If I’m in a bad place, I need the benefits of the exercise there and then, rather than after the workout, and walking gives that to me.”

To really boost the mental health benefits of your walk, Obayuvana’s mindfulness techniques can help. As can walking in nature, which is associated with greater mental health benefits. A 2019 study found that a 50 minute walk in a forest amplified the mood boosting outcome of a walk. However, if you don’t have access to a forest you can stroll in, 30–50 min of walking anywhere “can buffer against the wear-and-tear of daily life” the researchers concluded.

Mood boosting workouts: 4 workout ideas for when you're feeling low