Reduce anxiety with added variety

‘A recent study found that walkers who regularly walk more varied and different routes enjoy brighter mood, and suffer much less anxiety,’ explains Streets. ‘The reason for this? Researchers found that our brains rather enjoy novelty. Walking the same route each day creates boredom, but being a little more ambitious and adventurous with our routes will boost wellbeing and help to suppress feelings of anxiety and depression. This is because, on new routes, we are distracted and entertained by our surroundings and our brains are occupied with trying to work out where we are and where to go next.’