The ten-minute walk that takes the edge off a stressful day

When the day gets heavy, most of us reach for our phones. A better reset is often just outside the door.

Short walks, especially outdoors, are linked with lower stress, better mood and clearer thinking. They also get you away from the screen that may be causing much of the stress in the first place.

How to make it work

Keep it short. Ten minutes is enough to notice a difference. A short walk you take beats a long one you skip.

Go outside if you can. Daylight, fresh air and a change of scenery seem to add to the benefit.

Leave the phone in your pocket. Notice what's around you: trees, sounds, the weather. This simple attention works like a gentle form of mindfulness.

Attach it to a moment. After lunch, after a difficult meeting or when you'd normally check social media.

When a walk isn't enough

Stress that won't lift, trouble sleeping, or feeling low most days for weeks are worth talking about with your doctor or a mental health professional. Help works, and asking for it is a strong move, not a weak one.

Movement is one of the few things that helps your body and your mind at the same time.

Try it today: when stress spikes, stand up, step outside and walk for ten minutes. Notice how you feel when you sit back down.