Photo by Ben
I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend
four hours a day at least — and it is commonly more than
that — sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields,
absolutely free from all worldly engagements.
Henry David Thoreau
How About a Walk?
In this car-happy, computer-frenzy, convenience craving culture, walking has become unattractive. A leisurely walker is commonly looked upon as a loafer, while the chatty businessman on his cellphone ignoring the scenery around him is industrious. Give up the workday for a moment. Go outside and discover the benefits walking has to offer.
What can walking do? Here are 8 reasons why walking is beneficial.
1. Stay fit. I’m not talking about walking from the couch to the fridge and back. When I say walking what I really mean is: walking for a good thirty minutes or longer by allowing your heart rate to increase substantially.
We all know that health in America is declining, and not only that of our physical health, but our mental health too. As a society, we are becoming more obese and less psychologically stable. Our current lifestyles are unsustainable, yet the solutions are all too recognizable — eat well and move around.
The former solution is difficult for the majority of people. The average income of the lower class often doesn’t allow families to buy foods that are nutritious, making it difficult for them to stay healthy. When will the day come when junk food corporations will need to paste a Surgeon General’s Warning on the side of their products? It does seem however, that the production of processed foods is coming to a climax and better yet, Farmers’ Markets, CSA’s, and organic foods are on the rise and are expected to continue rising dramatically.
Staying physically fit generally correlates with staying mentally fit. Yes, we love good food and so does our brain. In recent years, human biologists have extensively studied the effects that certain foods have on the brain. They are discovering the obvious — highly nutritious, whole foods are good! The brain is hungry, so feed it.
Similarly, as much as exercise is beneficial to your body, it is beneficial to your brain as well. One reason being that your brain is an organ (a part of the body) and just like any other organ, it needs blood flow. Exercise provides the proper blood circulation to your brain and in turn, gives it the right amount of nutrients. Walking is a perfect exercise to keep your body and mind in shape by getting your blood flowing!
2. Safer compared to other more forceful exercises. As mentioned above, exercise and blood flow is crucial for our bodies to stay healthy. Walking allows one to keep the heart rate up without risking injury. It is a safe way to stay fit for all ages and all fitness levels. Although sports, running, and biking are good, over exertion can risk being injured. Hence, walking is less strenuous on our bodies and a much safer exercise.
3. Save money. If you are within walking distance from a destination, then walk. Instead of spending money on gas, walk for free. I’ve seen neighbors drive a quarter mile to the store on a sunny day. This last Halloween I heard of parents driving their trick or treaters from home to home rather than walking them. Have we become addicted to the pleasure of driving?
Exercise machines and fitness centers can stack up the bills, while walking on the other hand costs nothing. How many exercise machines have gotten dusty in basements across America?
4. Slow down. Stop rushing through your life and instead, enjoy the free time you have. Escape from the never ending speed of everyday life and get outside for a walk — see your neighborhood from a different perspective or take delight in a day of good weather. When someone walks they see the world with more detail — things they would never have seen while driving. If we would only start walking through our neighborhoods more often, then we might (should I dare say) start talking to our neighbors and reconnect with our community.
5. Time for connection. Some of the best conversations strike up during a walk. Whether we are with our family or friends, walking is a great time for bonding. Rather than attempting to get the last word in before the next commercial begins on television, take a hike and actually enjoy each other’s presence. In a more extreme way, walking has often been done in large groups in an attempt to create change — take walking for cancer or Gandhi’s salt march as examples.
6. Time for yourself. If the stress of the day is bogging you down, then walk out into the world alone and create a space for yourself. Solitude gives us a chance to organize our thoughts and refocus our attention to what matters. Technology is good, but it can become a hassle when it is overused. Take a half hour off from your everyday life, leave the cell phone and computer behind, and just walk with yourself.
7. Clear your mind. Meditate while you walk. Meditation is one of the best ways to clear your mind and concentrate on the present moment. Contrary to popular belief, sitting is not the only way one can meditate. Anyone can meditate anywhere. Walking is just another great way to bring your awareness into the present. Focus on your feet touching the ground. Feel your breath. Notice the wind against your skin. By quitting our incessant thinking we can see and hear the world around us clearly.
8. Sense of freedom. If this isn’t the most important reason, then I don’t know what is. Who doesn’t want to be free? Why confine ourselves within the walls of our home? Is it busyness or laziness that keeps us from enjoying a simple walk? Will it hurt to slow our lives down just enough to get a simple 30 minute walk in every now and then? Saunter and BE FREE!
How to start walking and stay walking.
First, set a time to do it. Make sure to give yourself enough time so you don’t wind up missing dinner.
Plan a route. This may be something as simple as walking five blocks down the street and back. However, it’s important not to make it too short or too long as you may not end up feeling satisfied or possibly tiring yourself out. If you’d like to be more adventurous, don’t plan a route at all (This may call for you to have more time available in case you walk further than expected).
Let nothing hold you back, just go. Let’s suppose you’ve got the walk planned, but the phone rings. Don’t pick it up! Stick to the plan and leave the phone ringing. The message will be there when you get back.
And once you’re finally sauntering, keep sauntering!
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