How Walking Can Enhance Your Fitness Routine
During my time living in Spain, I remember my mom’s daily routine of walking with a group of friends after dropping us off at school. Initially, as a young teenager, I found it uninteresting. However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the benefits of walking for both physical and mental well-being.
Before moving from Portland, Oregon, I had a weekly walking tradition with a close friend. Rain or shine, we explored different paths through forests, hiked trails, and strolled through neighborhoods. These walks provided a sense of relaxation, perspective, and connection with nature.
When the pandemic hit, daily walks became a way for me to ease anxiety, slow down, and gain a sense of control in a chaotic world. Walking, often underrated in terms of exercise, offers numerous benefits for health, mental clarity, and creativity.
Walking allows us to slow down and introspect, a luxury often missed in our fast-paced lives. The pace of walking encourages mindfulness, self-reflection, and a deeper connection to our surroundings.
Long walks, such as multi-day hikes or pilgrimages, can alter our perception of time and space, fostering personal growth and introspection. By simplifying daily activities to walking, eating, and sleeping, we create room for self-discovery and reflection.
Even if embarking on extensive hiking adventures isn’t feasible, incorporating regular walks into our routine can still provide similar benefits. Walking has become a sanctuary for me, allowing me to tune out the noise of the world and truly enjoy life, one step at a time.
