I’ve become someone who likes to go on walks, breaking news you heard it here first – because no one else would cover it. Going on walks didn’t become a routine for me until the 2020 covid pandemic, I mean what else do you do when your city is on a lockdown – you walk like nobody’s watching! Working from home also created less opportunities for the mindless steps I used to get going to the subway station or grabbing coffee, so making that conscious effort and carving a time to go on a daily walk, made all the difference, a habit I still maintain today.
Most people know that walking and being outdoors is a good thing, so I’m a little late to the party, but very happy to be invited. Whether you’re having a good day, bad day, or something in between – go for a walk, I promise it makes life so much better!
Health
From a physical and mental perspective, going on a walk can greatly improve your overall health. These are the things I’ve noticed since I’ve picked up the pace with walking:
- Strengthening and toning of overall body, especially when I get in a hike, those hills are no joke!
- Better energy levels
- Maintaining a healthier weight
- Major stress reliever
- Mood enhancement – happier after a walk
Its all about being present and connecting with the outdoor space you’re in! Have some fun, take in the sights, and nature around you, smell that fresh air!
Here are some ways to make walks more fun:
Listen to a podcast
There is no shortage of great podcasts these days, there is something for everyone on every topic, and pair that with a walk – goes together like peanut butter and jelly (I recently tried this food combo, and I get it now)! A podcast enhances my walk, especially when it’s a solo walk, music works too, its all about getting into a positive headspace.
Explore your Neighbourhood
Finding new and interesting paths for walks is another way I like to switch things up. Starting with your own neighbourhood is always a good idea, the proximity itself is a bonus.
Depending on how much time you want to spend on your walk, go online and research hiking and walking trails, lots will come up depending on your area. Toronto for example, has lots of great trails, Beltline Trail is one I enjoy doing. Researching new walking destinations, makes for more interesting sigh-seeing.
Make It Social
Inviting friends or family can make a walk feel more social! I’ve enjoyed switching it up, going on “double walk dates” – a brand new social concept for me. The great thing about making it a social event, it becomes more enticing when “everyone is doing it”, it adds a bit more excitement when you’re around other people, plus all the added health benefits don’t hurt.
If you really want to kick it up a notch, a walk + picnic combo can make things even more eventful. It requires a bit more work but keeping things simple with food & drink helps. Pack easy picnic items like sandwiches, granola bars, bananas etc. (whatever you like and willing to put effort to), then assign what to bring between the group – or everyone can bring their own lunch, there are no “rules”. This idea works well when there is a planned trail, and a park with benches, so less items are needed for the picnic – find your spot and enjoy.
Track Your Progress
Whether you go for a 10-minute walk, or a 2-hour hike, the point is to get outdoors no matter your level, it will pay off. Setting a goal of the number of steps per day can help keep you motivated, I realized this after I made a smart watch purchase – I’m obsessed with how many steps I get in a day. It’s sobering to see the low number of steps on days where I don’t go for a walk and am home, not moving much, even my smart watch worries and judges me.
There are so many off-brand smart watches these days, making this more of an affordable option, if that’s not your thing, a free step counter app can also work for tracking your progress.
Dress for it
I normally just put on a baseball hat, and a comfy pair of track pants, and t-shirt, but in my head, I would like to be someone who buys cute Fabletics outfits. Dressing for a walk or hike, could be aspirational, looking good can lead to feeling good. For me it’s all about comfort, I’ve paid the price when wearing flip flops on walking expeditions, footwear cannot be overlooked, comfy shoes or running shoes is a must.
Going for walks has become a conscious decision and in turn a game changer, something I plan to keep going – I may sound like a fanatic, but who cares, I’m going to end things here and go for a walk, obviously!
