In July 2018 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess the effect of a single bout of brisk walking or meditation on the state of mind in 66 young adults, average age 21 years. The individuals were divided into three groups and asked to either walk, meditate or sit for a period of 10 minutes. Their state of mind was assessed before and after this 10-minute period. Results showed that both a 10-minute bout of brisk walking and meditation improved their state of mind, when compared to the inactive group who were just sitting. A further analysis revealed that feelings of fatigue/inertia decreased significantly following both the brisk walk and meditation but that it was only following meditation that there was a reduction in the feelings related to depression/dejection and anger/hostility.
Edwards MK and Loprinzi PD. Experimental effects of brief, single bouts of walking and meditation on mood profile in young adults. Health Promot Perspect. 2018 Jul 7;8(3):171-178