#Socialinteraction

A growing body of evidence confirms that regular walking can boost mood. A new analysis in JAMA Network Open shows that adults who average more than 5,000 steps per day report fewer depression symptoms. The study pools data from 33 separate analyses, including nearly 96,000 participants, underscoring the meaningful mental health benefit of moderate physical activity.

In Thailand, where busy urban living and sedentary routines are common, the findings offer practical relevance. A modest daily change—adding steps—could improve well-being for many people. Thai communities, famed for street markets, temple fairs, and outdoor activities, may find it particularly feasible to reintroduce walking into daily life as life becomes more desk-bound.