Hey friends! I’m really excited about today’s post because, as the title says, this is a topic making me very happy right now. Want to know what it is? WALKING. Yep, it’s that simple. If you follow along on Insta Stories, then you know walking has always kind of been my thing, but lately, it’s been so much more for me. It’s not only a way to get in some exercise, but it’s my way of relaxing, clearing my head and nourishing my body and mind.
Walking has always been something I’ve liked, but in the past few months, since I realized how much good it does for me, I’ve been pretty diligent about actually building it into my routine. At this point, I’m sort of on a mission to do it as much as possible, especially at times when I normally wouldn’t. For example, if the boy and I decide to go to the movies… well, we could drive, but instead, I encourage us to walk. Or if I’m meeting a friend for coffee, same. Normally I’d hop in my car and drive a mile or two, but now I’m challenging myself to walk. It’s honestly taken away the pressure I’ve always felt to get in an intense workout every day, which has been an awesome bonus.
The greatest thing that has come out of it though is how much clarity it gives me. If I wake up in the morning feeling overwhelmed or end the day thinking of all the things I didn’t get done and how stressed life is making me, I head out for a walk. Just having a healthy outlet instead of reaching for a glass of wine or Hot Tamales has seriously made me feel SO much better.
I wanted to share all of this with y’all because on BTD my goal is to always inspire you. Sometimes that’s through pretty outfits or productivity tips, but today it’s through moving my body in one of the most therapeutic ways ever (at least for me)!
3 Tips for Starting a Walking Habit
Get a fitness tracker
Not gonna lie, having my apple watch has made walking 10x more fun because it’s like a little competition with myself to see how many steps I can take and how many calories I can burn on a walk. Plus, it encourages me to move when I’ve been stuck behind a computer all day. Speaking of calories, can you believe just walking can burn like 100 calories per mile?! It depends on your weight and the speed you’re going, but it’s crazy that something so easy and peaceful has that big of an impact.
Set up walking dates with friends
Walking with a friend or the boy is my new favorite hobby slash date. Instead of just inviting someone over to hang on the couch (and probably drink wine), get outside and go for a walk instead! You’ll get talking and before you know it, you’ll have walked multiple miles filled with amazing conversation.
Make it a personal challenge
Y’all know I’m always game for a good personal challenge, which is kinda how all of this walking stuff got started. I decided that instead of just going out for walks in the morning and evening, I would try to walk somewhere every week that I would normally drive. Now it’s become a habit for me to ask myself before I get in the car to go somewhere, “Can I walk there?” If the answer is yes, then I do!
I hope this inspires y’all. I know I’m not a fitness role model or anything, but this is major progress for me and I think that’s what life is all about – making progress in your own way! Let me know here or on Instagram if you start a walking habit and what it is!
