7 Reasons to Take a Walk
Have you tried adding walking into your health routine? Perhaps, it’s always been a part of your fitness plan, or maybe you’ve just picked up the habit during your quarantine time over the past year. I wanted to share seven of my favorite reasons to “take a walk”. Some of these tips may be serve as a reminder, while others could be new to you. Either way, enjoy and get to walking!
““I love walking because it clears your mind, enriches the soul, takes away stress and opens up your eyes to a whole new world.””
Reason #1 - Walking together is a great way to connect with others. As the world is opening back up, it’s a great time to get some fresh air with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while. The great thing about walking is that a friend can make time disappear. Catching up with conversation, laughter, and sharing thoughts is the perfect way log the miles. Not to mention, taking in the beauty of the world around us, with someone we care about. Always remember to stay safe!
Reason #2 - Walk a charity walk to raise money for an important cause that holds a special place in your heart! Whether it’s cancer awareness, heart disease, ALS, or simply to support your local. community, put your steps to good use. Your participation is sure to be appreciated! Check your local newspaper or websites like active.com to see what’s going on in your area. You just might be surprised at how many events are taking place right down the street.
Reason #3 - Even if you are busy, take a short walk break. If you’re finding it difficult to fit walking into your day, try a 10- or 15-minute walk on a work break, or walk during your lunch break. The quick break can work wonders for your physical and mental health. Working out does not have to take hours of your day, heart-pumping activity can be done in short spurts, whatever it takes to get it done!
Reason #4 - Walking is as close to free as it gets! And, as my husband says, “you can’t say free without smiling”! But, seriously, if you head right out of your front door, a walk will only cost you some time and a little rubber off the sole of your shoes. You do not need fancy equipment, or clothes, or shoes. You just need the will & motivation to take care of yourself! Now, that’s not to say you can’t step it up and add extra equipment to enhance your walks…..think step counters, fitness watches, walking sticks, a hydration fanny pack, etc.. There are lots of amazing products available out there to try, if that’s what interests you.
Reason #5 - Get yourself some natural Vitamin D! You've probably heard all about the importance of vitamin D to our overall health, some of us are even deficient in this area. The best source? A few minutes of sunlight . A short afternoon walk will do the trick. Vitamin D is a vital vitamin. The presence of it in our bodies is essential for bone and muscle health, and it also helps to support a robust immune system. Do your research and find out the many other benefits of this vitamin, also request to have your own Vitamin D levels checked during your next physical.
Reason #6 - Get some “me-time”. This may be my favorite of all seven tips! We often think of meditation as something that takes place when you're sitting still, but in reality, that can be difficult to do. The doorbell will chime... The phone will ring... Your kids will need you... However, if you walk, your brain will be able to do its quiet wandering with less distractions. I truly feel we can all benefit from a bit of quiet time in our lives. The busyness of our daily lives can lead to us forgetting about what should the most important focus, our health! Our health and wellness is what will allow us to continue on, positively and productively, with our daily lives. So, don’t forget about you!
Reason #7 - Feel and look better, inside & out! Walking can kickstart your desire to create a healthier lifestyle. Benefits include, but aren’t limited to, weight loss, bone strengthening, heart health, and stress relief. Whatever it may be that motivates you to “take a walk”, just go with it! As long as you are safe and active, the benefits will certainly help you achieve your goals!