Walk This Way
The Power of a Daily Walk
‘Walking is a lifestyle choice’
Yes, you read that correctly, walking is a lifestyle choice.
At least in my humble opinion, anyway.
Just to be clear, I’m not talking about walking to the shops or rushing to the train station. Activities like that are good for the daily step count but they are mostly functional and serve another purpose, such as buying a bag of crisps or catching a train.
By walking, I mean consciously making time every day to get outside and walk.
Granting yourself permission to take thirty minutes, an hour, two hours even - however long you need - to step away from the daily grind and stretch your legs.
It doesn’t matter whether you like to spend time in nature or you prefer to soak up the energy of a city. The aim of going for a walk is simply to get moving, with no real destination in mind.
There is one important rule though - be consistent.
Why? Because only when walking becomes a daily practice do the benefits really kick in. Legs get stronger and leaner. Fitness levels increase. The mind becomes clearer and calmer. Ideas start to flow.
Like with any other repeated activity, the more we walk, the better we become. And the better we become at walking, the more it can improve our lives.
“... a simple truth: that putting one foot in front of the other is a transformative act. ”
Fair warning though, if you embrace the walking lifestyle it will change your life. Start walking every day and you will soon find yourself craving the meditative motion of putting one foot in front of the other before you’ve even had breakfast.
Dare to skip a walk and you will end up restless by evening, longing for the expanse of the outdoors and the familiar blast of fresh air. End your walk too early in the morning and you will want to head out again in the afternoon (which sounds like a good idea too).
Other changes will take place too. Instead of browsing pretty clothes online, you will start lusting after hiking boots and waterproof jackets. Perhaps even some snowshoes for winter hiking or seamless socks to protect your feet.
Priorities change. You will change.
This is what I mean when I say walking is a lifestyle choice.
It becomes a part of your identity; a key element of what makes you you.
As long as you stick with it and be consistent, walking will become the best lifestyle choice you ever make. Trust me.
Hayley Maguire is a freelance copywriter and journalist who lives and works in the Austrian Alps. This piece is inspired by Libby DeLana and her book ‘DO/Walk’
