The Benefits of Walking Outside to Class
Written by Troup E. ‘27
Though some students think walking from the Quad to Marianist is a nightmare, others take this as an opportunity to get fresh air and talk to friends.
Whether you enjoy it or not, going for a walk outside can boost your academic performance. Not only that, but it is also good for your mental health. According to the article “Mental Benefits of Walking” by WebMD, “Walking provides the best of both worlds. It offers the physical benefits of exercise while also boosting your emotional well-being.” But that is not all — walking outside for only 10 minutes a day can prevent mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
So, does going for walks really improve your grade? Well, yes and no, not directly. It helps with things that can impact your grade like anxiety and your problem-solving skills, but it is also just good for getting blood flow to your brain and body.
Manny, a current 9th grade student at Saint Joseph Notre Dame states, “I like having time between classes to catch up with friends and find out what I’ll be working on next.”
He also said, “I prefer to walk outside to my next class rather than walk through a cramped and musty hallway.”
These are some good points considering there was just a global pandemic and walking outside can also limit your exposure to viruses and illnesses.
If walking outside can limit the spread of illnesses, increase students’ academic performance, and prevent anxiety and depression, why don’t all schools have students walk from class to class outside? Well, there are some obvious downsides, such as rain, wildfire smoke, and any extreme weather conditions, but there are also some reasons you may not have thought of, like space for lockers and places to hang artwork. So it doesn’t work for all schools.
Zelig C., a sophomore at Saint Joseph Notre Dame and an ambassador of ARC (American Red Cross) states, “Breaks between classes are needed for students so they can mentally reset and don’t succumb to mental burnout, which would result in the slipping of their academics.”
So next time you find yourself complaining about walking from class to class outside, remember that walking makes you a better and healthier student.
For more information on the benefits of morning walks, check out this video by Brightest Side:
