As COVID-19 cases continue to increase, daily walks can be beneficial for students’ mental and physical wellness. 

More gyms may close for the winter months, so gym-goers may need to turn elsewhere to get exercise.

Walking is the ideal pandemic activity, according to National Geographic, and can help strengthen the immune system, soothe joint pain and reduce the risk of developing certain cancers.  

Walking outdoors, on a treadmill or up and down the stairs of your home is a safe and effective way to get daily physical activity.

Daily strolls are also shown to lessen back pain, lead to healthier arteries, reduce risk of heart failure and benefit your metabolism, according to the UC Berkeley School of Public Health.

As many people face stress during the pandemic, walking also helps with mental health. It can lead to a better mood and reduce stress. Creativity boosts result from walking as well. A 2014 study found that students felt more creative after walking, and that it “opens the free flow of ideas,” according to the Journal of Experimental Psychology.

By bundling up and taking a daily walk around your neighborhood, while staying six feet from others and wearing a mask, you can improve your chances of staying physically and mentally healthy this winter.  

Megan is a health and fitness reporter. Contact her at [email protected].

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Hi, I’m Lauren Sasala, a senior journalism student from Toledo. I’m also the editor in chief of The Kent Stater and KentWired this semester. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important news about Kent State and the Kent community. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate.