Over the last few weeks I have heard many people expressing their frustration that walking is one of the very few things they can do. Routine, familiarity as well as frustration are setting in for many who are eagerly awaiting a life with greater freedoms. So how can we make the most of our daily walk to keep ourselves motivated?
In his book “In Praise of Walking” Shane O’Mara states that walking is one of the great overlooked superpowers we have. He says that when we get up and walk our senses are sharpened. Shane states that our bodies and brains are designed for, and need, lots of regular movement right throughout the course of the day. Walking is an easy solution our brains adore, and are built to profit from. Lots of regular, reliable, rhythmic, up-tempo walking throughout the day stimulates the production of molecules promoting brain health, and even brain resilience to the effects of chronic stress.
So if you are keen to enjoy these benefits of walking but are currently lacking in motivation here are my top ten tips.
1. Set yourself a small target each day that you are able to stick to e.g. 10 minutes rather than a bigger target that you may not find time for.
2. Change your route. Many of us get into the habit of taking the same walk every day. You may want to try walking your route in reverse or finding new routes maybe adventuring down pathways or roads you’ve not been down before.
3. Invest in a litter picker and collect litter on your walk, improving the surroundings for you and others. Share your story with local groups such as Wirral Wombles (Facebook).
4. Become a wildlife spotter. Use your eyes and eyes to notice the sounds and sights of woodpeckers, Canadian geese squirrels, robins etc.
5. Take a magnifying glass and look closely at the tree bark, leaves, moss and hedgerows.
6. Vary your walk by pausing for some strengthening or stretching exercises. You may want to consider investing in a set of “Nordic” poles and turn your daily walk into a work out for your whole body.
7. Raise money as you walk. Following the example of Captain Sir Tom Moore why not start fundraising for your favourite charity through walking every day? The Alzheimer’s Society have a Memory Walk on 20th March 2021 https://www.memorywalk.org.uk/organiseyourown/?&utm_campaign=memorywalk&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=b_%2Bmemory%20%2Bwalk&gclid=CjwKCAiAyc2BBhAaEiwA44-wWxC7c
8. Take your camera and take photos of your favourite views. Maybe a photograph from an unusual angle or of wildlife that you see or a quirky sight. Sharing your photos could be uplifting for you and others.
9. Listen to a podcast or a book as you walk. Many of us have a number of books we have always been meaning to read but don’t find the time. Audiobooks could be the answer.
10.Take a mindful walk. On the meditation page on this website you will find a mindful walking meditation. Mindful walking is a very good meditation practice for those who find sitting still and being mindful difficult to do. It focuses the attention on the reality of what's happening in the present moment. It is especially useful for those who have a tendency to worry as it uses our senses to help us to truly experience the present moment.
If you would like more help and support in bringing greater balance and wellbeing into your life then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I offer a variety of 6 week well-being programmes such as “Overcoming Stress and Anxiety” and “Building Strong Foundations for Health”. More details are available on the wellbeing life coaching page on this site.
Contact me by email suzanne@balancedhorizons.co.uk or by phone 07858 463935
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