Happy Wednesday, friends!
I love a post that combines SAVORING + WELLNESS.
Okay, since it’s May (and you know how much I LOVE MAY!), and we are currently trying to…
…I thought it was the perfect time to chit chat about how I really SAVOR WALKING 🙂 .
Yes, yes, yes, and YES!
Walking is free, walking is convenient, and if you dress accordingly, you can pretty much walk year around.
Walking can be for introverts, extroverts, families, singles, morning people, night owls…most all of us.
I shared an entire blog post about how I WENT FROM RUNNING TO WALKING, and though I do still run a few times a week, I walk almost every single day. And guess what? I have been floored by the benefits/perks/enjoyment walking has had on me.
Here are some ways AND reasons I actually “savor” my walks (ie: I don’t rush through it, I really try and enjoy these moments):
TO BUILD COMMUNITY
Walking with friends and family is a great way to build community. Some days, I’ll walk with a girlfriend and other days, I’ll take a walk with Andrew after dinner. There is just something extra awesome about returning home from being active outside alongside someone else. Conversation seems to flow easier when you’re walking, the time flies by, you are “killing two birds with one stone” by getting in some steps and some socialization…it’s refreshing all the way around to “walk and talk”. Any time I walk with someone, no matter how brief it might be, it really does put a pep in my step. The other day, I was heading out to walk the dogs and Smith said he would come with me. Our walk was only about 15 minutes long but when I got home I told Andrew that even though it was only 6:20 in the morning, I was confident that I had just had the best part of my entire day. Fifteen minutes walking and talking with my boy? Yes, please!
TO BE OUTSIDE
Being outside is just good for my soul. I was a “gym rat” for so many years and then would go outdoors to run long distances…but I was hyper-focused on my time/distance/the running that I often forgot to just look around and take it all in. Walking forced me to slow down and just enjoy being outdoors. Since I sit inside at a desk most of the day, I truly do savor that time outside. I love to hear the birds, watch the rabbits go by, see the lights flip on in my neighbor’s home as their day starts, wave hi to people walking their dogs…being outside speaks right to my heart.
TO DECOMPRESS
If I am stressed or overwhelmed or upset or frustrated or whatever, I walk. If it’s been a long day and work has not gone well, you will find me outside on a walk. If my kids are driving me crazy, I take it outdoors. Sometimes, I only need to walk to the end of the street and back, but man, I am a new person when I arrive back home. It’s like hitting the reset button for me.
TO INSPIRE & LEARN
Years ago, I would say foolish things on here like “I am just not a podcast person”. Ha! Silly me. I wasn’t a podcast person because I wasn’t listening to the right podcasts for ME. Once I found certain podcast genres that really inspired and/or taught me things I wanted to learn more about, listening became one of my favorite pastimes. Now, I can’t get enough. I’m the crazy fool over here listening to five hours on how IKEA was formed (thank you, Acquired podcast!) and loving every second of it. I LOVE learning and being inspired by podcasts…which makes it the perfect companion to walking 🙂 . I haven’t started listening to audiobooks yet, but I imagine that one day I’ll hop on that train and walking will marry well with it too. Give me an hour on a Saturday morning with a new podcast episode and a walk and my day is MADE.
TO BE ACTIVE
I do a lot of things to “be active”, but I have yet to find one as simple and yet rewarding to me more than walking. I don’t have to buy a fancy membership, I don’t have to get in my car and drive to a studio. I can do it when I’m feeling my best, but I can also get out and do it on days when I’m feeling a little blah. I can do it with my kids, my pups, my friends or all by myself. It’s free, it’s easy, and it keeps me active while also not overstressing my body.
TO CATCH UP
I mentioned earlier that walking and community go hand and hand, but I also find that I savor my walks because they’re a great time to call and catch up with people. I pop in my Airpods and start chattin’ with my mama, my friends…it’s a great time to catch up. When I get back to my house, not only did I “get my steps in”, but I also got caught up with people I love. Win, win.
And those are some ways I savor my daily walks.
Right now, we are WALKING EVERY DAY IN MAY! Whether you started on the first or you’re starting today, I would love to have you walk every day with me. The next time you step outside to do it though, try to think of ways you are SAVORING the experience. Let me encourage you not just to go through the motions, really enjoy all the little aspects of it.
Don’t forget, you can also read how I SAVOR MY MORNING RITUALS, how I SAVOR CARPOOLING/COMMUTING to, how I SAVOR GROCERY SHOPPING , how I SAVOR AIR TRAVEL, and how I SAVOR SPRING too!
Okay, now I want to read your comments and see how/if you savor walking too!
Please share!
I’ll see you all back here tomorrow, friends. xx
Diane Moore says
I am walking every day in May and appreciate the extra motivation. Even indoors, round and round my basement, I sometimes enjoy walking with no input, just my own thoughts. It’s easy in our modern world not to give our minds downtime to think or muse.
Good post!
Christina says
I try to get in a 30 min walk everyday after work. Usually with an audiobook the time goes so quickly.
Elspeth Mizner says
I love to walk! I try to walk a mile a day either on the treadmill or outside. You are right, it’s such a good reset and good for the soul. I always feel better after a good walk!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Julianna says
I love a walk with my dog and weighted vest for exercise, but lately I’ve been taking slower, shorter walks with my 6 year old daughter. Her love language is “quality time” and we’ve been enjoying the beautiful weather by walking! My heart rate doesn’t elevate, but I “savor” this time with her… plus, it’s really fun to hear all the kindergarten gossip!
Diane Moore says
This is so sweet. You will never regret this time.
Janice Harris says
This is inspiring!
Lorraine says
Yes! I love walking and relate to each of your points. I would also add that I love to walk and pray. I put my headphones away and just listen and talk to God. It has been such sweet time for me.
Polly Pover says
Walking rules! At work, we “walk and talk” for supervision, problem solving and consults. I dictate clinical notes while walking. So fun and beneficial to get up and move, whenever and wherever!
Sheaffer says
I love an early morning walk and podcast!
Kara says
I recently started listening to audiobooks and I am loving it! Mad Mabel is the absolute best on audio on my drive to/from work.. I am getting so much joy from walking and listening!!
Laura Morgan says
Yes! I try to walk every day! It’s hard because we live in the Philippines so it’s really hot all year round. But I am a better person when I walk. I also read Born to Walk last year and it’s a great book about all the benefits of walking.
Ashley D says
I can relate in so many ways! I LOVE walking! I enjoy going on prayer walks and taking in God’s beautiful creation around me – just hearing the birds chirp is so good for your nervous system and actually has health benefits! After dinner, my husband and I try to take a walk and it’s a great way to connect with each other, catch up on the day, and another health benefit (good for your digestion)! I can honestly say that I never return from a walk thinking, “Man, I wish I wouldn’t have wasted that time walking.” I always have an extra pep in my step and a grateful heart.
Jami Romano says
I love walking and being outside. When I was seven, I was attacked by the neighbors dog and I have such a fear of walking alone still to this day at the age of 45 lol. It stinks because it impedes on me doing something. I totally love. Still a work in progress!
Laci Murray says
I watched my mom walk my entire life when she had a spare minute, so I learned from an early age that walking was so good for us.
Kristy says
So far I have walked every day in May! I love a good walk. My husband and I power walk several mornings a week for exercise. I walk on my pad while I work. We take a slow stroll in the evenings with our kids on their skateboards, bikes, scooters, etc during the summer and that is my favorite part of my day during the summer! I cherish that time with them. I LOVE walking.
Debbie says
I work in a square shaped building with a courtyard in the middle and windows all around looking into courtyard. We have calculated that 15 laps around the square = 1 mile. So to get a ‘break’ from staring at my computer all day, I try to get up every hour and walk 5 laps…..it makes my day SO much better, and I FEEL better if I accomplish this every day! 🙂
Lauren says
I’m so glad that the weather in the Northeast is turning warmer because I too love outdoor walks! — One thing you wrote caught my eye and made me wonder if you have ever done a post (or could do another post) on how you navigate blah days or the stressed/overwhelmed/frustrated days and work days not going well. One of my favorite things about your blog is that it is the positivity (It’s contagious!), but reading your words today reminded me of how human you are, and I would love to hear more about what prompts those types of harder days/moments and how you work through them (internally – mindset, etc. and externally – going for a walk, for example).
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, I have my share of blah days. I could absolutely write about that too.
Lindi says
I was going to suggest this also. You are very positive, and that’s appreciated, but we know you are human and must have days where you feel off or blah. Reading your blog could accidentally make someone think you have everything figured out/you never have a low day.
I think this would be an awesome big post and make you more relatable.
Elizabeth B says
YES to all of this! I love walking in the neighborhood with my husband and daughter after supper. Also, some teacher friends and I walk after school. Whenever we’re available, 4-8 of us chat, walk in silence, and just ease the stress of the day. It’s amazing how much better I feel when we’ve done a couple of laps around campus! Teaching middle schoolers is not for the faint of heart LOL
Mix and Match Mama says
NO IT IS NOT! Bless YOU!
Alison says
It’s chilly here today and I really wanted to skip, but after reading your post I took my coffee and went for a little stroll. Suddenly a chilly walk became a cozy one!
Beth Valenta says
Walking is my favorite! You will giggle, but at times that I need to decompress, I listen to old Bestie Breakdowns. I miss you girls so much. I tried Acquired, and learned a lot, but need something fun to listen to. Just haven’t found my niche. I love the sounds, smells and seeing neighbors. It really makes me appreciate my lovely community.
SS says
Shay,
We walk everyday too. Sometimes more and sometimes less. Depends on the weather mostly…winter slows us down but we try to walk a little. We always walk with our dogs. I walk with our kiddo most mornings. It’s a great way to talk about our upcoming day, dreams we had the night before, or whatever else….books we are reading!! 😆 We our lucky out little walk isn’t just flat, there are some hills..a slow sloper and one that is pretty steep. Right now with everything blooming the scent of spring in the air just makes it that much better….we will enjoy until the unfortunate Canadian wildfire smoke always seems to make our skies murky & scent of smoke lingers in the summer. Happy walking!!!
Allison says
I love walking as well and for all the reasons you stated! It’s free, easy, can do it anytime and anywhere!
Twila says
Walking is the best except in snow in winter in Montana. My dad, up until about age 89 (he lived to 95) was a faithful mall walker. I have to get it out of my head that it’s too hard to dress for the weather and put on tennis shoes and do it everyday. My dog will thank me for it because she goes crazy when she knows we’re going for a walk!! Here’s to walking everyday in May (I counted walking the fields to all my grandson’s baseball games😉)!
Carly T says
I am a pediatric SLP and am inside a clinic all day. I started walking on my 30 minute lunch break and it has changed my entire afternoon- to the point where sometimes I don’t even need that 3 PM cup of coffee. It’s a total reset!
C says
I love to walk to get more energized. If I’m working at my computer and feeling drowsy, I get up and head outside for a walk and in minutes feel so much better
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I agree! It helps me with my midmorning slump too!
Patti K says
I have been walking every day so far in May (I need to take pics)….. we live in a somewhat rural area, we have homes around us but just down the road from us there is a farm with fields of hay and corn, and cows! The road takes lots of turns, goes up and down small hills – it’s a great workout. We have a miniature Dachshund, Cooper, and he LOVES to go see the cows so every day when I get home from work he can’t hardly contain his excitement because he knows it’s walk time! He is a great motivator to keep me on my walk schedule.
Bren says
Much needed read this morning, Shay, thank you. I joke, but I don’t really think I’m joking, that I could literally spend my day walking and listening to my podcasts and audiobooks (I started with podcasts and now I am hooked on audiobooks too!) all day long! Darn work and responsibilities, getting in my way! 😊 Thanks for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
Me too, me too!
Ginger says
I love walking May!!! We already walk everyday, so it is fun to share my love of walking with other people! My husband and I both work from home, but in completely different parts of the house, so we don’t see each other during the day. BUT every day at lunch, we take the dogs for a 2 mile walk and catch up on our day, talk about our plans for the evening, what we are going to have for dinner. I just love it!
Courtney says
I’m one week post hysterectomy and have been walking everyday! I love it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Goodness, sending you so much love! Take care of yourself during this time. xx
Carol says
I get a cup of coffee and walk every morning before my devotional time and then walk several other times throughout the day. This has been my daily routine for 18 years now and I so enjoy it. I listen to music most of the time, but I often spend time just talking to God.
Love the white sneakers you are wearing. Could you share the brand please? I am always up for a new pair of sneakers.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that you have coffee with your walk! That’s the perfect combination.
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
I love walking too! I have walked for exercise for years. When my kids were babies I walked with friends while we pushed strollers. I lived in a hilly neighborhood at the time so it was a great workout. We walk our dog most nights or I walk him on the trail behind my house. I have a strange hobby of finding nails and screws in the road! 😂Hopefully I have saved someone from a flat tire!
Cherie says
I have loved walking for years, even when I was a ‘runner.’ You are spot on with so many benefits. I love the power of pairing (2 for 1) when I can walk and chat with a friend, listen to a book/podcast or just listen to nature. Loving the reminder to get outside and walk. Thanks!
Kate says
I know you have mentioned them throughout other posts, but what are some podcasts you recommend? I have been talking everyday and usually listen to music, but would like to switch it up.
Mix and Match Mama says
A little variety! I love The Simple Sophisticate, Everyday Wellness, Zoe Science and Nutrition, Acquired…those are a few of my faves!
Valerie P says
This post really spoke to me. I walk everyday. Moving my body in this way every morning gets me through the day. It is probably one of my all time favorite things to do. I am currently in Alaska visiting my mom and love the quiet on my walks, the smell of spring, crisp air, and the beauty of the mountains.. I also savor my walks by walking with friends, my husband, listening to podcasts, and catching up with friends and family on the phone. Walking releases all that energy so that I can then focus on what I need to for the day, it makes hard moments easier, and it just makes me smile! Like you I love being outside, walking and moving.
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! I bet your walks in Alaska are absolutely gorgeous!
Paula says
I LOVE walking! It truly gets me in a good mood, also!
Jennifer says
I started walking during a stressful, life changing time in my life over 15 years ago…. And I have never stopped. Your post resonated with me on so many levels!
samantha says
I also work from home at a desk all day. My dogs get so excited when it’s time to walk in the afternoons! Like you, I love a walk with a podcast or a chat with friends. I have a couple of girlfriends who live in different states and when it’s time for them to walk their dogs….we call each other up and have our ‘dog walk talks!”
Jessica N says
I love walking on days when I need movement but want to rest from my regular workouts. And it’s a great way to get a group of friends together and catch up and still love.
Amy Timm says
I love walking and have learned to like walking alone. I usually only wanted to go with others. I do tend to walk a lot faster when I’m alone. I know you’ve mentioned some of your favorite podcasts, in various posts, but could you compile a few recommendations?
Elizabeth says
I’ve been walking, just about every day, since March a year ago. What started out as a simple challenge to walk 3x a week, in an effort to get my life back on track, has turned into a daily habit and something I look forward to! I have lost over 50lbs, but have gained so much in return… quiet time to myself, discipline, and overall better health! A simple walk every morning, has been life changing!
Kimberly M. says
Thanks Shay! A really neat and unique book about the benefits of walking daily is called Do Walk by Libby DeLana.
It has made me look at walking in a completely different way! Thanks for the useful tips. As a teacher, I am ready for the school year to end so I can go on some relaxing hikes!
Karen says
I’ve been a long time walker. For exercise and stress release. Lately I’m in a podcast rut. Would you share some of your favorite podcasts?
Thank you!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Walking is such an easy and fun way to exercise!!! If I have time, I always like to take a walk during my planning–and when it warms up, I take those walks outside on campus!
Ashley P says
Could you do a post on what you wear when you walk? Do you wear what you are wearing for the day or change clothes? I know that sounds silly but sometimes its the little things that get in my way!
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a great question! My answer is that it depends on the time of the day. Early morning walks, I’m in gym clothes. If I walk my dogs at lunch or later in the afternoon/evening, I almost always just walk in whatever I’m wearing for the day.
Brooke says
I love a good podcast walk! I learn so much and am able to focus on what I am hearing. I am imagining it being so much easier to direct your small dogs than my big German Shepard who is usually mostly concerned about getting back home. Ha!
Debra says
I am doing every day in May with you!
I love to walk too, and for all the reasons you mentioned – being active, being outdoors, talking to neighbors, community, clearing my mind, catching up with my sisters/parents with walking phone calls, getting un-stuck on something I am trying to solve (when I am grappling with something, a walk helps me relax and the answer usually comes, etc.).
When the weather is bad or I am in a hurry, I go to the gym but given the choice, being outside wins every time.
Juliet says
I have a pair of Asiacs at my desk at work. I walk indoors or out depending on the weather at work M-TH!
Jill says
My husband and I walk every day after work. It is OUR time to discuss our day and make plans. I live in Illinois and in the winter it can be hard – but we bundle up and just go.
Becky says
I am a teacher in a pretty large school building. My partner and I try to do two laps on both floors before and after school. It definitely adds to my daily step count. Unless we stop and talk to people along the way, lol.
Nancy Granger says
I love walking in the evenings and running into my neighbors… Also, I enjoy listening to audio books is while walkng.
Taeryn J says
Thank you for recommending Acquired! My husband has been a Mergers and Acquisitions banker for over 20 years and I would never have imagined that a podcast about acquisitions would be so good! I have even recommended it to him. We live in London but most of these companies operate in the UK too. As you are a business owner it adds as extra layer of interest as you never know when you might one day sell your company and whether it’s a multi-national or a tiny company so many of the same principles apply!
Mix and Match Mama says
I absolutely can’t get enough of it!
Kelly Sites says
I’ve been a lover of walking for a very long long time. It’s my soul care time. I love it for all the reasons you stated. My best friend and I LOVE to meet and walk. We have walked a 1/2 marathon and even tried to walk a marathon (made it 24 miles, before we were so sore and our feet hurt so badly that we had to quit). I walk everywhere I go. I’m currently in Charlotte, NC for work and the MINUTE I landed and got my rental, I went straight to my favorite walking trail and walked. I walk during airport layovers, on vacation and I have a million fun places in my hometown where I love to walk. I love to pray and listen to worship music. I listen to sermons. LOVE Podcasts and audio books. I love listening to my sister’s Marco Polos she sends me.
Jen K says
I’m doing the walk every day in May – so the other day when I had to pick up my car from the dealership I just walked the mile there instead of taking the courtesy shuttle – not something I would have done before so thanks for the inspiration 😊
Sharon says
I just got into audiobooks recently. You should try it with things you want to consume but don’t feel like you want to give your reading time too. Like things for work, I listen while I get ready and commute. Have you and your team read anything by Pat Lencioni? I love Working Genius, and I think this would be a thing that you, your team, and even your family would get into,
Patti says
I have walked so much that my body craves for me to walk daily. And it’s got to be outside. Mornings are best for me as my energy is high. I am 67 years and just yesterday a 19 year old young man thought I was in my 40’s. Wow! that made my year! It is all because how I took care of my body at 20 shows up in my 60’s. Diet is the most important and then exercise.
Your wellness articles is the best part of your blog that I enjoy, and travel, and clothes. Okay all of it! I still have a hard time making any of your food choices. 🙂 I don’t quit understand how you family stays so fit with the choices. What am I missing?
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family.
Stacie says
I find it nice to walk and get landscaping or floral ideas. Some people really have gorgeous yards and do really neat things.
Rebecca McCalman says
Walking is my jam!!! I feel like I conquer the world’s problems when I’m out walking. I’m always blown away by the random things I’m reminded to pray for, the things I’m grateful and looking forward to AND struggles I let go of 😉
Emily Johnson says
I love walking and rotate between listening to worship music or a podcast and listening to nothing. I used to always have AirPods in and then I realized I had forgotten the art of silence and not being entertained by something all the time. I do still love a good podcast or playlist, but now I also enjoy just being without, listening to the birds, and talking with God.
Kristine Guider says
Love this so much! I’m doing the same especially now that my dad is entering hospice and my current walks are around the VA Hospital. 💜
Mix and Match Mama says
Sending you so much love as you walk this road with your dad. xx