Walking Works, Make It Work For You!

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re approaching a Thanksgiving holiday unlike any we’ve experienced—it’s literally unsafe for us to gather with our loved ones. This is yet another incredible loss in a year where our “normalcy” has been stripped away and replaced with uncertainty, anxiety, and grief. 

2020 has been a very hard year. And we’re not done yet. We have more navigating, more course correction in this enormous storm we’re all experiencing. 

So, how then do we ensure we are able to navigate and course correct in a healthy, sustainable way?

By practicing healthy, sustainable Self-care that renews our spirit, restores our ability to think clearly, and boosts our immune system.

In a word, we walk.

Walking has been recommended by countless health and wellness experts since the pandemic began and particularly as stay-at-home orders have been issued. The message has been consistent: get outside, physically distance, wear a mask if you don’t have at least six feet between you and others, and walk. 

Daily walking has been proven to boost your immune system, add years to your life, prevent or treat over 100 diseases, reduce stress, increase creativity, help you sleep, boost your mood and confidence plus countless other benefits. Walking is the #1 doctor prescribed activity because walking works. And right now, we all need and deserve something we can do that works. That really, really works.

Start small if you don’t already have a regular walking practice—a five minute solo walk up and down your driveway or around your yard. Do this in the morning, afternoon and evening. And if you don’t have access to an outdoor area that is safe, walk around your house or apartment. However, wherever, and whenever you are able: WALK.

This simple, small action—taking a walk—can become your sanity, your sanctuary, your stress-reduction in a world filled with real stress, lack of safety, and just plain craziness. Your walks will become your own radical Self-care, Self-care that you look forward to and crave.

Walking has, literally, saved my life three times now. I’ve been an addicted walking woman for many years yet with each life-threatening situation I recommit to my walking practice because it works. On my walks I find meaning, comfort, calm, renewed resilience, and whole Self-health: body, mind, and spirit are made stronger and more whole with every walk. 

This daily transformation is what I wish for each and every one of you, especially as we look ahead at a very different holiday season and a daunting winter. Start walking now, today, for yourSelf and for your loved ones. Walking works. All you need to do to make it work for you is put on your shoes and walk out the door.

One Million Women Walking is a global Self-Care movement for women. Please take a moment to sign up for our newsletter, This Beautiful Walk, to receive walking tips and news plus updates on the 1MWW Movement. I can’t wait to walk with you.