While many individuals automatically take a short walk after a mentally stressful day at work without considering this activity psychologically significant, there are growing arguments in the occupational psychology literature that such walks serve a purpose beyond simple exercise or relaxation. Occupational psychology scholars analyzing stress recovery processes indicate that walking, particularly after extended periods of mental workload, is regarded as an effortless means of recovery that can lower perceived stress and help the brain recover from attention overload.
It does not remove stressors entirely, but it allows people's minds to perceive less stress and emotional overload through this simple activity. As indicated by PubMed articles on the topic, walking is one way to reduce accumulated stress on mentally challenging days.
