The reality is, we have slipped into ‘instant gratification’ in our day and age; a quicker pace, a shorter attention span, and little patience for travel. “I don’t have time” has become a mantra for the overwhelmed, and the go-go-go of hustle culture has clouded our peace. This makes walking among the most radical things we can do; a simple act to savor the journey over the destination or end result.
Our bodies were never meant to stay indoors and stationary. Walking slows us down in a meaningful way. We notice, we take in our surroundings–sights, smells, sounds. Our senses sharpen and come alive. Not to mention the good it does for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
“Walking is one of the healthiest things we can do for our bodies … It can help clear the mind, solve a problem, or welcome a new perspective.”
–Jay Blahnik, Apple’s senior director of Fitness Technologies
Think of life as one single walk; the trip is the distance we make in the course of a day, whether for enjoyment, transportation, or exercise.
In Walking: One Step At a Time, Norwegian explorer Erling Kagge finds that walking is a natural accompaniment to creativity––an occasion for the unspoken dialogue of thinking. Getting your heart pumping while taking in your surroundings is one of the best ways to unlock new ideas, jog your memory, and give fresh oxygen to your brain.
Steve Jobs believed in the active productivity of a walk, his preferred way to have a serious conversation. Jobs found that meetings rank number one among employees’ key reasons to be unproductive, so he created a better way.
So how much walking? How long? Does it matter? New studies show that walking just 2,337 steps a day reduces risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and 4,000 steps a day reduces all-cause mortality. You may need to work up to it, and factor in your individual goals, but even in small increments, you’ll find so many benefits to getting out for some fresh air and a stroll. Sounds do-able, right?
“Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.”
–Kierkegaard
Studies show that walking for just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, maintain a healthy body weight, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing other long-term health problems. Walking improves and maintains your overall health. In the words of Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, walking is “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug”.
Tips? Some walkers like to track their steps and set daily goals with a fitness tracker. Seeing your progress is a great way to stay motivated and keep you moving everyday! Make sure your shoes support you and are comfortable. For a lower impact stroll, try walking on grass rather than concrete. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!
“About an hour after I wake up, I’ll have coffee or tea and walk outside barefoot and do sun gazing, which is one of my new favorite things to do before my kids wake up.”
–Kate Hudson
Here are a few ideas to make walking fun ~
- Change up you route to discover new sights and spots.
- Join a local walking club.
- Take off your shoes and find some grass or sand to ground yourself.
- Walk to the grocery store (even if you have to drive part of the way!)
- Bring a camera or journal with you. Take deeper notice of your surroundings.
- Walk to get yourself or a friend a small treat, like a latte or fresh flowers.
Create your own walking playlist, or listen to ours~
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