Walking has always been something I have been in the habit of doing. It is so good for my mind, body and soul. I love it.
These photos were taken on my walk this morning. If that’s not enough to inspire you, here are some other reasons I love to walk.
Exercise. Well we all know we have to do some sort of exercise, right? The body was designed to move and mine feels better when I do. I think walking is the best exercise there is. You don’t need any special equipment, it’s free, it’s easy and you just head out your front door and there you are… walking!
Meditation. Walking is a great moving meditation. Sometimes I will focus on my breath, or repeat a mantra or affirmation to stop my mind from wandering while I am walking.
Communing with nature. Negative ions abound at the beach, mountains, waterfalls, parks and without a doubt, they make me feel so good. I try to get out into nature as often as I can. Megan at Your Intuitive Family also talks about us needing grounding or connecting with Mother Earth.
Social connection. Most times when I walk, I take the dog (I have a long-haired dachshund called Wilbur). I am always being stopped and chatted to – mostly because of the cute dog! It’s so lovely to pass the time of day with people, say hello, smile or wave. It gets me out in my community, connecting with local people.
Fresh air. Being stuck inside all day around electronics can really zap my energy and give me a fuzzy brain. There is nothing like having some fresh air to revive and recharge me. If I come home from work feeling tired, I will head out for a walk. All that oxygen zinging around my body peps me up!
Endorphins. Nature’s prozac! Regular walking has been proven to be effective against anxiety and depression. I know it keeps my mental health on the right track if I walk regularly. Happy mum = happy family.
Small things. Walking gives me time to appreciate and be grateful for the small things. Warm sunshine on my back, a mother duck with her ducklings, beautiful flowers, a refreshing breeze. Stopping to smell the roses is so good for my soul and it makes me happy.
Vitamin D. Getting outside in the sun helps top up my Vitamin D levels. It’s really important for me, because I suffer from a deficiency. Read the blog post I did about that here.
Bonding. Sometimes I walk with a friend or family member. It is such a great way to chat without distractions or interruptions (I never take my phone!) I find ‘walking chats’ particularly useful in opening up the communication with my teenage son.
I love walking! For me, walking is not exercise to dread doing, it’s a chance to take time out and practice some self care.
Talk to me. Do you like to walk? Why do you like to walk? Where do you walk?
Definitely some inspiring scenery to encourage us to take a walk.
We were in the habit of walking to school and it certainly makes it easier to catch up on the day and talk while you walk. We might just walk to school tomorrow…
It’s time management – get your exercise, bond with kids, get home from school!! Love it 🙂 Thanks for dropping by Sandra
lovely. i love to walk with my children, my little one in the pram and my son on the scooter. we don’t walk fast but we usually have a lovely time.
on my own i prefer to run. i love running for miles and watching and discovering so many things that you just dont see in a car.
it’s such a great family activity…. and it’s free!
I don’t walk enough to be honest Sonia- at least not in the mindful, leisurely way that I envisage being most beneficial. I enjoy pushing my body so am in the habit of running or going to the gym BUT I am going on holiday soon and I intend on soaking up a lot of the outdoor life. Your ‘walking space; has left me feeling a little bit jelly – gorgeous photos!!
enjoy your hols! I am off to the beach for a couple of weeks, can’t wait to get the sand between my toes every morning with nice long walks along the beach!
I love to walk too…for all of the same reasons and also, one more…the peace and quiet! With a busy toddler to look after, and two chatty (but gorgeous) daughters…sometimes the only time I get some quiet is walking into the wind with Leo in the pram!
it is so relaxing! I used to be out the door as soon as hubby was home when the kids were little and go for a nice long walk! 🙂
Couldn’t agree more…. what beautiful pictures! How could you NOT return from such a walk revived, inspired and relaxed!? Walking is very important for me, especially for mental well-being… never fails to put me on the UP 🙂 I love the name Wilbur for a dog – too cute.
Everyone should walk just to keep in a good mood! We got our pup from the RSPCA and he was already called Wilbur, so we went with it – it suits him!
My husband and I (and our 13 month old daughter) actually walk everywhere–to get groceries, work (for him, I work from home), and for pleasure. We drive a car about once every other week to visit our family members that aren’t walking distance. We love it. And, of course, it’s easy for us to do considering our location (a big town/tiny city).
it’s a great habit to get into 🙂