The benefits of walking…

I often recommend to people to get out for a walk where possible, ideally with others but even heading out alone can be really beneficial for your physical and mental health. This is one of my main personal strategies to navigate the stressors of the world and clear my head when needed.

Walking is a simple and free exercise option and is one of the easiest ways to get more active and become healthier. Even just 10minutes a day has so many benefits and will count towards your total physical activity for the week.

If you are interested in learning more about the physical benefits of walking and how to introduce it and increase it safely and effectively, please head over to the NHS website. During the rest of this blog, we will explore more on the mental health benefits as well as how you can build it as a more regular habit.

Building habits to help you walk more:

As we mentioned above, we know that even just short walks and getting out for a few minutes can make a difference. Another way to build this habit is to think about the choices you make throughout the day. Use these questions to help you:

• Can you walk part of your journey to and from work?

• Do you need to jump in the car to pop to the shop or can you walk?

• Is there an option to use the stairs rather than the lift?

• Can you walk the kids to school rather than driving?

• Have you got some time in the day to do a lap round the block with a friend or colleague?

  
  

Tailor your walks for you:

Listen to music or a podcast

• Make a playlist of music that you enjoy or listen to a podcast or audiobook

• This can take your mind off the effort and it can also get you into a rhythm and help you walk faster (if that is your goal).

• You'll be surprised at how fast the time goes when you're walking with something to listen too.

  
  

Add variety to where you walk

• You do not have to travel miles to find a rewarding walk.

• Towns and cities offer interesting walks, including parks, heritage trails, canal towpaths, riverside paths, commons, woodlands, heaths and nature reserves.

• Whenever you are visiting somewhere new, walking tours are a great way to explore the area.

Solitude or connection

• Depending on your preferences you may want to focus more on walking alone or you may want to walk with others.

• Walking in a group is a great way to start walking, make new friends and stay motivated (this brings the added benefit of being part or a community).

• Meeting up with friends for a walk or using your lunch break to walk with colleagues can also bring a sense of connection.

• Walking alone is a preference for some and can bring a chance to clear your mind and reset if the rest of your day is full of connection.

  
  

It doesn't matter which of the options you go for, the key is to simply give it a go and aim to start moving more for your physical and mental health.