Why Walking Matters
Walking Matters for You and More
730—that’s how many miles I estimate I walked since the onset of the pandemic—averaging out to about two miles per day—definitely more than I’ve logged in years past!
Between neighborhood walks, walk and talk sessions with friends, walking for errands, and longer family hikes, walking has saved me.
The Benefits of Walking
There’s the obvious physical and emotional benefits that come with walking like:
Heart health
Bone health
Joint health
Overall longevity
Mental health
Better sleep
But there’s also social and environmental benefits to taking a daily stroll (more on that below).
Photo by Jeffrey Grospe on Unsplash
Reasons to Walk
I’d also like to offer that there are different kinds or purposes of walking:
Walking for exercise or recreation
Walking for necessity
My daily walk around my neighborhood mostly falls into the exercise/recreation category. While I sometimes layer a work call or other necessary phone call onto my walk, and while it feels NECESSARY for my mental health, it really is an elective activity.
Walking for necessity might look like walking to work or to the grocery store or even walking your child to the bus stop.
Although it doesn’t feel quite safe for me to walk to work (busy roads with no sidewalks), I’m thankful my office is centrally located between my bank, a grocery store, and the post office. I frequently leave my car at the office and walk to drop something at the post office or to do my banking. Although this kind of “errand walking” is somewhat necessary for me, I ultimately make the choice between driving and walking. I’ll freely admit that if it’s pouring down rain, I’ll probably opt to drive.
Photo by Jeffrey Grospe on Unsplash
Walking as Privilege
My experiences walking demonstrate my privilege. I have a safe neighborhood in which to walk and I have the time to commit to it. What’s more, when I walk, my physical appearance doesn’t make people feel nervous or suspicious. Because I have a car and gas money, walking is often a choice I make. Not everyone can say the same.
Why Walking Matters
By now, it’s probably obvious how walking benefits you and your body but have you considered the ways this small act of kindness toward yourself will benefit your family, your community, and beyond?
Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash
As you get healthier and happier, you’ll have an increased capacity to show up as a supportive family member, friend, employee, and neighbor. By committing to your own health, you’ll free up community and emergent health resources for those who need them more.
When you can move your own body well, you’ll rely less on other people or resources to absorb your movement deficit. For example, if you are able to walk to work and choose to do so, you’re conserving gas, fighting climate change, and removing one more car from the rush hour circus.
In addition, the more you use sidewalks, greenways, walking trails, and public parks, the more they’ll be seen as valuable by your city or community—which can then lead to increased advocacy for preserving and adding new amenities.
If you’re looking for a sign or a good reason to get moving, here it is: YOUR HEALTH MATTERS—and not just for you. Your health bolsters the health of your community and your planet.
Conclusion
Walking is an easy way to layer physical activity into your daily life in a way that provides much-needed self-care and a perspective shift of seeing how our steps can influence the big picture.
Many people are walking (and moving) less since the onset of the pandemic. If you’re not already in the habit of walking, I encourage you to start! This post offers time management tips to get you scheduling time for movement and this post offers even more tips on how to form new habits.
If you’re worried about your joints and how your walking surface will affect them, check out this article. And this post shares tips to help you walk better. If you’re looking for something to listen to on a walk, I recommend this.
For more on the power and possibility that comes with walking, check out this book.*
Do you already believe in the power of walking? This group is gathering across the country to walk for change and I encourage you to join me in supporting them.
I love helping clients move well to feel well. If you’d like customized advice and support on your health journey, schedule a free consult so we can explore a path forward.
*Sometimes I link to products I love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
