BLOG 302: WHY I LOVE MY DAILY WALK FOR BETTER HEALTH, CREATIVITY, AND LONGEVITY

My passion for walking started in March 2020. We were in lockdown and the government had told the people of the UK to only leave our houses for 30 minutes a day, walking around the local area only. With two children at home and a business to run, our daily 30 minutes walk became our only fresh air, exercise and link to the outside World. 

After the lockdown ended I decided to keep up this habit. It was like a positive glimmer that had come from a long, hard lockdown. So ever since then I have walked every day, with the goal of 10k steps minimum.

This routine temporarily came to a pause when I had foot surgery a year ago. Although the actual long term injury was nothing related to walking, I did have to pause my walking as I recovered from the operation. Since being able to walk daily again, I have even more gratitude for being able to enjoy this soothing form of daily movement.

Walking may seem simple, but in my opinion it is one of the most powerful forms of exercise for my body, mind, and spirit. It is a free, accessible and natural way to improve my physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. It’s a practice that is not only easy to fit into my daily life but also has so many benefits that can enhance my creativity, sparks great business ideas, and I really feel is helping me with my longevity too. 

Today I am going to share how walking can help you feel your best in every area of life so if you are not already a walking fan, hopefully you will be by the end of this blog you will be!

Physical Health Benefits of Walking

When it comes to staying fit, walking offers many benefits that are gentle on your body yet incredibly effective.

1. Supports Heart Health
   Walking is a fantastic way to keep your heart strong and healthy. It improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and helps keep cholesterol levels in check. Studies show that a brisk 20-30 minute walk a day can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of heart disease, which is so important as we age.

2. Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
   Walking is a great way to manage weight without putting too much strain on your joints. It helps to burn calories, boosts metabolism, and tones muscles, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight or support weight loss goals. And since it’s a low-impact exercise, it’s kinder to your knees and joints than many other forms of cardio exercise.

3. Strengthens Muscles and Joints
   Walking improves flexibility, strengthens muscles, and supports joint health. It’s especially great for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, as it helps to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. By helping improve better posture and balance, walking can reduce the risk of falls and injuries too.

4. Boosts Immunity
   Regular walking can strengthen your immune system. Research shows that walking increases the production of immune cells, which helps the body fight off illness. This means fewer sick days and a healthier you overall!

Mental Health Benefits of Walking

In addition to physical health, walking has profound effects on mental wellbeing. When we walk, we give our minds a chance to relax, refresh, and re-energize.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
   Life can get overwhelming, and walking provides an excellent way to manage stress. The rhythm of walking, especially in nature, has a calming effect, lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It’s a wonderful way to clear your mind, unwind, and feel more balanced.

2. Boosts Mood
   Exercise releases endorphins - the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. So, walking is a great mood booster, helping to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. You don’t have to walk for hours to feel the positive effects; even a short walk can lift your spirits and help you feel more relaxed and positive.

3. Improves Focus and Clarity
   If you’ve ever been stuck on a problem or had trouble focusing, you might have noticed that taking a walk can help clear your mind. When you walk, the blood flow to your brain increases, which can improve cognitive function. It’s a great way to give your mind a break and come back to tasks with a fresh perspective.

4. Supports Mental Health Long-Term
   Regular walking can also help prevent mental health decline as we age. It supports brain health, boosts memory, and can reduce the risk of cognitive issues like dementia. The simple act of walking keeps your mind sharp and supports overall well-being.

Emotional Benefits of Walking

Walking can also provide emotional healing. I definitely feel that walking helps me to reconnect with myself, my feelings, and the world around me. Here are some benefits of walking which you may find boost your emotional wellness too.

1. Increases Self-Esteem
   As you walk more and your fitness improves, you’ll likely feel stronger and more confident. Regular walking can help you feel more comfortable in your body, and it’s an empowering activity that may boost your self-esteem and self-worth.

2. Helps Process Emotions
   Walking gives us time to think, reflect, and process our emotions. Whether you’re working through a challenge or just needing some time to yourself, walking helps create emotional space. It can be an act of self-care, allowing you to feel more grounded and at peace.

3. Encourages Connection with Nature
   Taking walks outside in nature - whether it's in a park, along the beach, or through the woods - can have a healing effect. Nature’s calming beauty and fresh air help to soothe the mind and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety. Plus, being outdoors connects us to something bigger, giving us a sense of perspective.

Walking for Creativity and Business Ideas

For me, walking isn’t just good for my body and mind - it can also be a great tool for boosting my creativity and generating ideas, whether for it be for my personal projects or my business. Let's delve further into the benefits.

1. Sparks Creativity
   Some of the most creative minds throughout history, like Steve Jobs, found that walking helped them come up with their best ideas. When we walk, our brains are more open to new ideas, and we can approach problems with fresh eyes. Whether you’re brainstorming for a work project, developing a creative hobby, or trying to find a solution to a challenge, walking can help inspire new insights.

2. Improves Focus and Problem-Solving
   If you're working on a business idea or planning your next steps, walking can help your brain reset. The gentle movement allows for mental clarity, which helps improve focus and problem-solving. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, take a walk - it’s an easy way to help your mind work through challenges.

3. Boosts Productivity
   Taking short walks throughout the day actually helps improve productivity. Walking can break up long hours of sitting, reduce mental fatigue, and increase your energy. The result? You come back to your work feeling refreshed, with greater focus and motivation.

Walking and Longevity

Lastly, walking plays a key role in promoting a longer, healthier life. Each year I pick an intention 'word' for the year (rather than set New Year's resolutions). In 2025 my 'word' is longevity. This is all about being in the present moment but also thinking about how I can focus on the future, particularly when it comes to health. By incorporating walking into my daily routine, it really feels I am investing in my future health. Here's why it can help your longevity too.

1. Supports Healthy Ageing
   Walking regularly can help you stay strong and flexible as you age. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It also helps with maintaining a healthy weight, which is important for overall health as we age.

2. Promotes Independence
   As we get older, maintaining our independence is crucial, and walking helps us do just that. Regular walking keeps the muscles, bones, and joints strong, so you can continue to do the things you love - whether it’s traveling, gardening, or simply staying active with friends and family.

3. Increases Lifespan
   Studies have shown that people who walk regularly live longer, healthier lives. By simply walking every day, you can help reduce your risk of many chronic health conditions, which means you’re not only adding years to your life but also life to your years.

Conclusion

Walking is an incredibly simple, yet powerful practice that benefits every aspect of our wellbeing. It strengthens the body, calms the mind, uplifts the spirit, and even sparks creativity and innovation. I really feel that embracing walking as part of a balanced healthy lifestyle can help us feel stronger, more connected, and more empowered in all areas of life.

So, why not start today? Whether you walk for 10 minutes or an hour, make walking a regular part of your routine. Your body, mind, and heart will thank you!