The Wonders Of Walking
I never used to actively walk. Even though public transport is so convenient in Singapore, I’m usually the person driving everywhere - I saw walking more of a hassle and an inconvenience. When I was training with my old personal trainer, he’d insist that I hit 10k steps a day in addition to the hour long workout I had already done in the morning - I had no idea why, but I was pretty lazy and didn’t bother to hit those goals.
That’s all changed now. In order to clock my daily 10k steps, I try to walk everywhere - so that means taking public transport everywhere I go to. Call me an Aunty, but I’ve signed up with the AIA Vitality Plan, I actually earn SGD 5 dollars if I hit my daily steps for the week. I’m able to use this on my weekly grocery shopping, and they’ve recently added new partners on now, so I can even buy Yakun with the rewards! (Muahaha)
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After reading so many books and articles on health, productivity, creativity and happiness - most folks highly recommend the simple act of taking a walk.
How the simple act of walking affects the body in just a matter of minutes!
My best friend loves walking. She sent me this infographic which showed the effects of walking just after a few minutes! I was pleasantly surprised by this.
Pissed off with someone? Take a walk to calm down. Feeling lethargic? Take a walk to feel energized. Feeling bloated after a meal? Take a walk to help digestion. In a creative rut? Take a walk, and get those creative juices flowing. I guarantee you will feel better.
Walking benefits you in so many ways - Check out this article which elaborates on the mental and physical benefits of walking. I’ve tried it in all instances - and they’ve worked as promised. We are just chemically wired to feel better after we move.
‘…Walking is the most underrated form of exercise’ - Better by TODAY
Walking is also considered a form of N.E.A.T (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) - meaning it’s non-structured exercise that happens throughout the day. Some even argue that walking is better than running as it doesn’t put as much pressure on your joints - plus it puts less physical stress on the body during the exercise!
I wrote about N.E.A.T previously in one of my previous blog post - and I truly believe it’s one of the best fitness habits to build! Check it out in my previous post here!
How I utilize my walking time
Walking also allows you the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world, appreciate nature, catch up on a audio content. When I’m taking a walk alone, I will put on my earphones to either enjoy a podcast, audio book or music. The rule I have imposed upon myself if not to look at my phone screen while walking. It really forces me to take a step back and disconnect.
I always feel pretty good walking, breathing in the fresh air (through a mask for now…), enjoying the breeze. Sometimes I even get lost in thought, but most times I tend to use the time to think about and reflect about my day or week. It’s my way of escaping the information overloaded world.
Sometimes, I’ll even persuade my loved ones to take a walk together, and we use the time to catch up, especially after we’ve had a super filling dinner! My best friend even got me a small walking treadmill which I utilize especially on busy or rainy days.
I really appreciate walking now. It’s really underrated. Need I say more? Go take a walk and reap the enormous benefits of this free, simple exercise!
