What are the benefits of walking everyday?

Here is my story about stepping into happiness and the power of daily walks, come rain or shine!

Did you know that making a personal commitment to step outside, even in bad weather, can transform not only your mood but also your mindset?

Having grown up in the Scottish Borders in the 1970-1990’s, I consider myself so fortunate to have been surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful unspoilt landscapes. In those days, with only one family car, we walked everywhere, embracing the outdoors as an essential part of our daily lives. My mum, who worked from home when we were very young, often took us out for walks—not just to get us out of the small cottage we lived in, but for fresh air, and her own well-being. I treasure these memories because they’ve shaped my current lifestyle, where walking is an integral part of how I maintain my calm and self-regulate my thoughts.

Walking was more than a necessity for us; it became a pleasurable daily routine. I remember even as a teenager appreciating my surroundings as I breathed the healthy Borders air. Even now, I find myself embedding this practice deeply into my everyday life. Whether I’m out for a brisk walk or simply wandering about the outskirts of my local town, in North Yorkshire.

I take great joy in walking through all kinds of weather, it’s a metaphor…. life is unpredictable. You can’t control the weather or anticipate what each day will hold. However, by cultivating a daily practice that centres on gratitude, we can enhance our resilience day by day.

Often, I carry my smartphone or camera with me, practicing mindful photography as I walk. Sometimes I will set a theme, sometimes I’ll follow the theme in our online Mindfulness Photography UK community group or sometimes the theme will come to me as I walk. Interestingly, very often I don’t even take my camera out, instead I just listen carefully or smell the air or feel the damp wood as I climb a stile. I take the time to notice the subtle changes in the seasons —yes, even on the greyest days, I make it a point to step outside.

When I headed off to university, I had the unique experience of living about two to three miles from my daily seminars. I walked or cycled daily, never taking the bus, even if it was a convenient option. While the lack of money played a significant role in that decision, I found joy in the journeys, allowing time to process the events of each day. Those walks became my sanctuary, my moments to reflect and absorb the days events.

Now, as an adult juggling work and life’s demands, I often find myself wondering how to balance it all. For me, the answer has always been clear: I walk myself to health. The practice not only supports my physical well-being but also really supports and nourishes my mental health. It’s essential to carve out that time for reflection and connection with myself and my surroundings.

If you find yourself craving peace or are looking to cultivate a similar practice in your life, I encourage you to take a step outside, no matter the weather.

Every day provides an opportunity to reconnect with yourself through movement, intention, and awareness.

And if you’re inspired to enhance your walks even further, why not explore your unique surroundings through a camera or smartphone? Join our free online community for motivational mindful photography prompts to enrich your daily walks. Discover the beauty just outside!

Join us here https://www.facebook.com/groups/682148979380076/

Slow Down

Take Notice

Nurture Awareness