Walking as an ideal form of exercise is nothing new. Way back in 400 B.C., Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates proclaimed walking to be man’s best medicine.
Today, its benefits are even better understood. Walking can help you think, feel and sleep better. It can reduce your risk for conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer. And it can improve your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Walking is accessible to most ages and abilities. It’s easy on the joints and doesn’t require special equipment. The best part: It’s versatile. You can do it briskly or leisurely, indoors or outdoors, alone, with a partner or in a group.
For all these reasons, walking might be one of the most effective forms of physical activity out there.
What kind of walker are you?
A walkie talkie?
Walking with a partner or in a group can:
Make time fly. Get immersed in conversation and you’ll have lots of steps under your belt before you know it.
Create new friendships. Small talk during long walks can yield new buddies with shared interests.
Make you accountable. Research shows people who are part of a walking group tend to keep exercising and not slack off. It's harder to cancel when others rely on you to show up.
Help you decompress. A walking group or partner gives you a chance to focus on the walk and the people you're with while getting a few minutes away from your day-to-day.
Build community. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other educators outside the school setting, build relationships and foster a stronger sense of community.
Or solo stroller?
Some people prefer the meditative solitude of solo walking. Or you might want to listen to music or podcasts. Whatever your preference, add nature to the mix to achieve:
Self-reflection and mental clarity. Walking alone allows quiet time to reflect on your thoughts, set goals or work through challenges. It can serve as a form of mindfulness and help clear your head.
Heightened sensory awareness. You might notice subtle sounds, like birds chirping, leaves rustling or the smell of fresh air, which can be relaxing and improve mental wellbeing.
Elevated mood. Walking triggers the release of feel-good endorphins, helps relax your muscles and eases tension — all of which can lift your spirits and even combat burnout.
Better work-life balance. Walking is a simple way to carve out alone time for yourself, which can have a positive impact on your mental health.
How much should you walk?
Experts recommend walking 150 minutes a week. That’s 30 minutes most days of the week.
Sources: Harvard Health; American Heart Association; Mayo Clinic