Page 36 - Prevention - USA (April 2020)

W E L LN E S S

I WALK TO

BATTLE DEPRESSION

—Kylie Westbrook, Bellingham, WA

“Last year, I had a pretty bad injury and
had to spend a lot of time resting in my college
dorm room while all my friends went out
and had a good time. I noticed that my mood
drastically changed—and even when I got
better, I was still depressed and didn’t leave
my dorm once I was able to.
One day a friend made me

go hiking with her; my spirits
were rejuvenated.

Now I get up before dawn every
morning and walk without
my phone; I can be with my own
thoughts and appreciate what’s
around me. I’m able to mentally pre-
pare for the day (while getting a little
exercise in too!), and I’ve noticed such
an increase in my mood. Walking has so
many benefits—why wouldn’t I walk?!”

“I walk because I relish
the joy of watching the sun
over the horizon, the smell
of the air after a cleansing
rain, and that taking deep
breaths connects my
body and my environment,
one step at a time.”
—Terri Lavelle,
Brooklyn, NY

34 PREVENTION.COM • AP R I L 2020