Fitting Walking Into Your Busy Life
One of the most common things people say to me is "I see you walking everywhere." What’s wrong with that?
The funny thing is it will be said as if I'm doing something truly extraordinary. Although compared to many people, maybe I am.
I think nothing of running as many errands as possible on foot around my neighborhood. As an example, I’ll walk the mile and a half each way to my local supermarket or the bank, or the two and a half miles back and forth to go get an iced coffee whenever weather permits.
I’ve had supermarket bags in my hands and a neighbor will pull their car over and say to me "I saw you walking, do you need a ride?" I’ve stopped in Starbucks and my favorite barista says "did you walk all the way from Main Street? I saw you walking!"
People seem to get a real kick out of spotting me as if it's a new game. In fact, I think there are people that assume I'm too poor to have a car and feel sorry for me!
Where I Get My Walking First Mindset From
In New York City, where I'm originally from, people walk everywhere, but as life has taken me to different parts of the country that are more suburban, people drive everywhere--that is except me. And it's not always easy. In the Tampa suburbs where I'm currently hanging my hat, there are lots of places that don't have any sidewalks or crossing signals and it means walking through grass, across parking lots or facing oncoming traffic in the street, but I still do it.
Walking is not just an exercise or fitness activity. What people often don't realize are that there are physical and psychological benefits of walking. On a bright beautiful, sunny day when it’s not too hot and humid, I can't stand not to take a walk--even for just a few minutes if that's all my schedule will permit. I'll also do several quick walks in a day if a long trek is not in the cards. And I don't stroll at a mall walk zombie pace. I walk quickly with a purpose, as if I'm impatiently in a hurry to get somewhere for maximum benefit.
The calories burned really add up from all the walking in lieu of transportation, and it clears my head, lifts my mood and boosts my creativity. I'll often get some really good ideas as I'm walking along. It's also a great way to spend quality time with a loved one or a friend (keeping in mind pandemic safety).
Here are some ideas to fit walking into your busy life!
Fitting Your Walking In
Fitting in Walking When You Work Full-Time at a Sedentary Job
Now some people might say, well Coach Melanie, you’re different because you’re in the wellness field. My days are no less hectic than anyone else! Plus, I used to work full-time at jobs where I was commuting 4 hours daily and had to figure out ways to make it happen.
I walked as part of my commute, I walked over to my colleagues across the floor or took the stairs to their office on another floor. I walked at lunchtime or on a break. I even talked one of my more progressive bosses when I lived in California into walking meetings. I walked after work and especially on weekends--whether it was taking in a new trail or just shopping on foot around my neighborhood. I made walking a priority for my physical and mental health and made it happen.
Fitting In Walking In Bad Weather or After Dark
I've lived in New York, Denver metro and Chicago metro, Las Vegas and Tampa. All of these places can have weather that will make you want to stay indoors many months of the year (brutal Winters or brutal Summers). I choose not to be a prisoner to weather conditions as much as possible.
In Colorado, my husband and I would put on just about everything we owned and bundle up to walk a mile each way to return a movie to my local Redbox. In Tampa, I walk early or late when the weather is hot. It’s no sin to use an umbrella during a walk on a rainy day either.
In Chicago, where it's not just cold but the wind cuts right through you, I walked or walked-ran on a treadmill or a piece of cushioned gym floor at home with a beautiful scenic video to look at as I moved.
Getting dark earlier? Plan out your walks during daylight hours. Get up earlier if you must do it before work. If you walk after dark, take along a buddy and/or wear reflective gear and have your phone flashlight on. Use good judgement for your route and be safe!
I also used to go up and down every aisle and do laps around Costco, the mall or the local Super Target or Walmart as well. I’ve used the same strategy in air conditioning to beat the Summer heat too. Those stores can help you get in walking in any weather, and they're safe after dark too (although I’ve used the outdoors strategy much more, and the indoor store strategy much less often during these pandemic times we live in).
The Walking Takeaway
So when it comes right down to it, walking can fit into anyone's schedule, requires no special equipment or expense and the benefits really add up. It can be the focal point of your exercise efforts and also makes a great supplement to everything else you're doing for formal activity to lose weight or maintain weight.
And before you know it, you just might hear your neighbors saying "I saw you walking." To which you can say “what’s wrong with that!”
P.S. If you’d like additional tips on being as successful with your weight and overall health as you are in your business or career, please sign up for my free “5 Essential Keys to Healthy Weight Loss E-Course.”
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Please speak with your healthcare professional about your specific needs and to determine if Wellness Coaching is appropriate for you and before implementing any suggestions on this Your Healthy Life Made Easy Blog. Individual results may vary and cannot be guaranteed. Melanie Jordan is not liable for any loss or injury associated with information published on this blog as it is provided solely for your education and entertainment.
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