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Mix it up
by taking different routes for your walks. You’ll become more familiar with
a larger section of your community, avoid boredom, and increase your safety
by not following the same route.
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Imagine
you are a tour guide showing off your community. How will you describe the
sights you see along your walking routes?
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Become
more connected to your community. As you walk, you may notice an area that
could use a little improvement. Use your walk to help you think through a
good solution, and how you can get the ball rolling to make it happen.
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If you
like to feel a sense of accomplishment, pick up litter as you walk. Carry
along a plastic bag and use it to hold trash you see on your path.
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Many
worthwhile causes sponsor walks as a way to raise awareness and funds. Set a
goal to participate in one or more of these during the year. You’ll meet
many other people who enjoy walking and help others too.
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Reconnect
to nature by walking outdoors whenever possible. Identify the trees, shrubs
and flowers you see in yards, gardens and other landscapes along the way.
Notice the fragrances you smell, the colors you see, the leaves you feel.
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Watch
gardens and plants change with the seasons. Be inspired to plant in your own
garden.
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Use
walking time to work through thorny problems. Let creativity flow, accepting
any solution that comes to mind, no matter how impractical. Even though you
may have to get more realistic to arrive at something feasible, this
approach can open up your mind to new possibilities.
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Reflect on
your blessings, especially the very small everyday kind of things we tend to
take for granted.
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Practice
meditation while you walk. Read a quote or religious text before setting out
and use your walk as a time to focus solely on the words and their meaning
to you.
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Plan a fun
activity while you walk, something you would enjoy doing. Then when you
return from your walk, do it!
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Walk with
a friend or family member. Make it a regular thing, or set up a special time
to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company.
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Think
about something you can do to brighten someone else’s day. This could be as
simple as stopping by a neighbor’s house to chat for a bit on your way home.
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For those
who like to strive for goals, challenge yourself to walk five minutes
longer, or to increase your steps by 10% each week.
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Break up
the pace by skipping along for a short time. If you are self-conscious take
a child with you.
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Let your
feet do the walking, and let them take you to places you might otherwise
drive like the library, post office, bank, movie theatre, school, place of
worship, playground or park.
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Make music
while you walk by whistling, humming or even singing a happy tune.
