Jenna Ortega’s Go-To Way to Decompress After a Long Day

Jenna Ortega has been making headlines for countless projects, from her role in Sabrina Carpenter’s music video for “Taste” to starring alongside Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder in the upcoming horror sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

Speaking of the latter, Ortega sat beside Ryder in a recent Elle video and answered questions about their experiences on set. One of the questions asked was, “How do you decompress after a taxing scene?” 

“I feel like I just sit and stare at a wall, what can you do?” Ortega jokes. “You work these full, long days, and you’re being called again early in the morning, so you go home, learn your lines for the next one and go to bed.” 

While focusing on work can be entirely relatable—and Ryder agrees—there is another thing that the Wednesday star does to decompress that is a healthy habit we encourage.

“I like to go for walks and do anything to clear my mind,” she says. “I’ll listen to music, and I’ll go for a long walk. That’s probably the best answer I can give you. It’s pretty plain.”

Maybe “plain” to Ortega, but her habit of taking long walks to clear her head actually has some amazing mental benefits. Research shows that a daily walk can help lower stress and reduce anxiety, and going outdoors for these walks can help boost your mood.

Plus, walking is equally great for your physical health. The benefits of walking range from improving your blood sugar, supporting your heart health, lowering your dementia risk and promoting healthy weight loss. 

Follow Ortega’s lead and incorporate a daily walk into your routine. Whether you’re like the actor and listen to music on the go, or prefer a silent walk, you’ll be sure to reap the benefits.