We were designed to walk for miles and miles to hunt and gather our food. Yet, in modern society, we spend most of our time sitting down. That is not good for our bodies leading to a host of health problems. This is probably one of the most important reasons to make an effort to move around and go for a walk each day.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. Most of us sit for our work, we eat sitting down, and to be honest all we want to do when we come home from work is plop down on the couch for a Netflix marathon until bedtime.
In other words, getting and staying in the habit of going for a walk each day can be a bit of a challenge. But that’s exactly what we need to do. We need to get in the habit of going for that walk just like we’re in the habit of brushing our teeth twice a day or taking out the trash on Tuesdays. Once it’s a well-ingrained habit, it won’t be as much of a challenge to make sure we go for a walk each day.
Where to Start to get into the Habit of Walking More
A great place to start is to find a walking route you enjoy. It helps to make it as easy as possible. Your favorite walk may offer beautiful vistas, but if it’s a 30-minute drive there and back, you’ll be less likely to do it every single day. Instead, save that walk for the weekends and come up with something convenient and pleasant for your everyday walking routine.
If you can, find a route in your neighborhood so you can leave right from your front door. Just lace up your shoes and start walking.
Taking the same route every day helps form that habit. It’s also encouraging to notice that you can walk the same loop faster or with less effort over time. It proves that you’re making a difference and are getting stronger and increasingly fitter.
How to Make Walking More Fun
Listening to your favorite music, podcast, or audiobooks is also helpful. It will make the time go by faster and give you something else to look forward to.
You can even use your favorite media as a way to bribe yourself to go for your daily walk. Let’s say you have a couple of podcasts you enjoy. Save them for your walks and only let yourself listen to them while you’re walking. It’s a great incentive to get out there even on days when you’re not feeling it.
Other Options
Last but not least consider walking with other people. Find a walking group in your area, or talk a friend or neighbor into becoming your walking buddy. Not only is it more fun to walk when you have someone to talk to, but it also has some built-in accountability. It’s much easier to skip a walking workout when you know that other people are waiting for you and relying on you to join them.
You can also get a group together where you work and walk on breaks or lunch. Every little bit counts!
I found that having other people with a common goal helped me make it a habit because I was accountable to them and vice versa. If you are looking to excel and make waking a habit. You can do both. Walk at home and walk at work!
How to Start Walking Everyday
When you start out walking it can be hard to make it a constant habit. There can be a lot in your way – your brain telling you that you are too tired or you don’t have time or you can just do it tomorrow.
So, it can help to have the motivation right where you can see it. Enter the Habit Tracker! It is a simple way to manage your habits and push you to make them a part of your daily life and routine.
You can print it out and place it on your refrigerator or at your desk. When it is staring you in the face it is harder to forget! This Habit Tracker will help you track more than just walking too!
Give these simple to implement tips a try and see if they help you make walking a daily habit and an integral part of your health, your fitness, and your life.
