Fit walks into your busy day
We all know the great benefits of walking : boosting mood, improving fitness, and even aiding sleep. But in our jam-packed schedules, finding the time for regular walks can feel like another item on an already overflowing to-do list. Incorporating more steps into your day doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul. It’s about making small, sustainable changes that add up to big benefits to fit more walks into your day.
Let’s reframe how we think about walking. Instead of viewing it as another task, consider it an investment in your well-being – a moment of fresh air and a mental break.
Integrating walking into your workday can be a challenge sometimes but try and consider the following top tips:
- Whether it’s the office, the local shop, or the school drop-off, parking a little further away instantly adds steps to your day.
- You can get off the bus or train a stop before your destination and enjoy a walk the rest of the way
- For errands within a mile or two, ditch the car and opt for a walk or bike ride.
- Instead of eating at your desk, take your lunch outside and enjoy a walk while you eat or afterwards. Even a 15-20 minute walk can make a difference.
- If your meeting doesn’t require a screen, suggest a “walk and talk” meeting. It can boost creativity and get everyone moving. Check out our blog here: Walking Meetings – Corporate Event
- Ditch the lift and escalator whenever possible. It’s a fantastic way to get your heart pumping and sneak in some extra exercise.
- Set reminders to get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour. Stretch, walk to the tea point, or simply pace around your workspace.
And at home you can do the following:
- Instead of sitting down for every phone call, walk around your house or garden while you chat.
- Steps while doing household chores like hoovering, gardening, or taking out the bins.
- After dinner, take a walk around your village or town. It can aid digestion and help you unwind before bed.
Making walking fun can also help with motivation to get out there. Why not walk with a friend or family member, listen to podcasts or audiobooks or your fave tunes! Keep things interesting by varying your walking paths. Start small and gradually increase the duration and frequency of your walks. Wear a fitness tracker or use a step-counting app on your phone to monitor your progress and stay motivated. Having a target to aim for can encourage you to find more opportunities to walk.
You don’t need to dedicate huge chunks of time to reap the benefits of walking. By incorporating these small, consistent changes into your daily routine, you can easily accumulate more steps and enjoy the numerous physical and mental health advantages that regular walking offers!
Let us know how you get on!
Or find our more here about the health benefits: Walking for health – NHS
Have a look too at our Forest Bathing blog: https://wellbeingwalk.co.uk/forest-bathing-whats-all-this-about/
Check out some of our example events here:
Hiking, Yoga and Sound Baths in the Peak District – Wellbeing Walks – Out the office into nature
Walking and Wild Swimming in the Lake District – Wellbeing Walks – Out the office into nature
Thanks for reading.
