I LOVE WALKS
You read that right! I LOVE walks! Theres so many benefits to just going for a walk every now and then, and i recommend you try to get a few thousand steps each and every day. “But Abbi, i don’t have time!” - well, you actually do. Walks can be a great way to get the creative “juices” flowing through your brain, to disconnect, relax, and to ease up any tension in your body. The list of benefits could have covered multiple blogposts alone.
I disconnect
We have created a world where we’re “suppose to be” online all the time. To be reachable at any given moment in time. I say fuck that. Like, honestly: a HUGE fuck to that. And my middle finger to all of this, is my walks. I put on a timer, put my phone in my pocket, and just walk. I walk the same route each week. Depending on the day of the week, i take a different version of the route - but it’s the same walk as always really. Still… the experiences are unique each time.
I don’t check my phone. It’s left on silent mode - so it’s just me and my thoughts. I wake up early in the mornings, so in the weekends: it is pure magic. I walk down the streets that usually are super busy; being the only person there. All of the sudden, the city is transformed into this quiet concrete jungle - if i were to fart, it would echo a few blocks. That kind of silent.
It’s not like i start walking in the middle of the night either, by the way. I tend to get out the door between 7-9 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. So i wouldn’t call it super-early by any means. I get to catch the first rays of sun that hits the city, the birds starting to wake up, and the roads with no cars. A mix of strange, good feelings.
My mind wanders wild when i’m out on my walks. I think about everything, but at the same time: nothing. Love, the future, jobs, my company, cake (yes. cake.), music, games, all of it. And SO much more. And the next moment, all blank. Nothing. Just existing in the moment, feeling the rays of sun as they warm my face, whilst the wind surfs in with gentle breezes.
List of benefits - sort of
Circulation, get that blood flowing you wonderful you! This helps a ton with circulation, as you get to move your entire body to some extent. I recommend walking / jogging in stairs as well, and to vary on the ground your walking on. Some on asphalt, some gravel, will only do you good! The absolute best would be a forest walk, on a trail or something: That is BY FAR the best!
Joints, yup, this is a grat way to loosen up some of the joints, and to get your body back into business for the days to come. In many ways, this is a great investment of your time. You get to enjoy scenery, sounds and colors, as well as moving your body. Get some f that tension out!
Muscles, get the move on! I like to be active, and go to the gym 5 times a week. For me, the walks have become a great way of easing after a heavy workout. You get to move your body, and still utilize your muscles (although to a much less extent) - so that you in 9/10 cases will not end up sore afterwards! I have not experienced 1 single day of soreness or pain after starting doing walks during the day of a heavy workout.
You got the time
You don’t have to take the longest of walks, to start getting the benefits. Far from it. Start with 30 minutes, and try to increase when you feel ready. If 30 minutes is all you manage to get done; GREAT! that is truly great! Anything helps, and a daily 30 minute walk, be it outside or on a treadmill; is awesome.
This is my walking stuff:
When i get to the gym, I start with a 30-50 minute walk on a treadmill. Usually, when it isn’t raining, i tend to walk to and from work. Takes about 50 minutes each way. Also, after lunch, i tend to take a 30 minute walk. During a optimal day, I can get anything from 2 to 3 hours of walking alone. But thats me!