Alex and friends out for a walk, courtesy of author
I am a pretty restless person. Anyone that knows me can tell you that I’m not one to enjoy sitting around all day behind a book. Although I am known to enjoy a full day of Netflix every once in a while, I always feel disgusting afterwards. Luckily for me, this past year I have had the pleasure of living in an extremely walkable city. Since the start of the year my feet have taken me over 600 miles (the equivalent of the length of the UK). Every step of my walks has been an adventure and a half whether it was taken with a friend, by myself, or with Spotify keeping me company. Here are five reasons why I think you too should try taking a walk every once in a while!
1) It’s an easy way to stay healthy.
This first reason is a bit boring and basic but important nonetheless. I love walking because it’s not as strenuous as other forms of exercise, yet it still helps you to keep in shape and has even helped me to lose a great deal of weight. Often walking somewhere is just a matter of leaving a bit early. Even if you, like me for most of my life, live in a town where you can’t easily walk everywhere, there are still ways to plan your day around a short walk.
2) It makes you happier
I can’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day than going for a walk! It’s true that sunny days are few and far between here in London, but even on the cloudiest of days a nice walk always has a way of lifting up my spirits. The endorphins that are produced by the act of exercising are just the beginning of the cheering benefits of a good walk.
3) It’s a great way to learn a new place
When I get to a new city I often find the easiest way to learn my way around and learn what the city is like is to go for a walk and get lost in the streets. The getting lost bit has been quite easy in the winding roads of Europe and with crowds of people around and history on every corner, I’ve found I can’t help but bump elbows with the roots of a new place.
4) It helps you stay connected with your surroundings
With feet on the ground and nothing between you and your environment, a person can’t help but stay connected. You have to know the weather. You have to dodge the people in the streets. You need to duck whenever a stray branch or vine might stick out on your path. No matter if you’re walking through a crowded city or a wooded countryside, going for a walk is a great way to stay in contact with the beautiful world around you.
5) It keeps you moving forward when working out problems
Whenever I have a problem I need to work out, whether it be spiritual or academic, I find that going for a walk helps me work out whatever it is I am thinking about. I don’t know if it is the act of continuously moving my feet forward or the connection I feel with everything around me, but going for a walk always seems to clarify whatever I’m thinking about.
Great things happen when the soles of your shoes meet the solid ground. With your soul open to the world around you, the possibilities for growth and excitement are limitless. Go for a walk today and I promise you won’t regret it!
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cover image courtesy of author
