How to Take a Walk

                                           

                    

                                                  How to take a walk|Building a Better Today

Whatever your workday looks like, odds are you could use an occasional break. Learn how to make the most of a midday stroll.

Forget your phone. Leaving your screen behind will give your eyes a much-needed rest. Though scrolling through social media may seem like a reward for a productive morning, it will ultimately diminish your ability to be present on your walk

Take in your surroundings. Minus your tech and headphones, you can focus on enjoying the scenery. Aside from its hazards, distracted walking causes you to miss out on nature’s many health benefits, such as lowered stress and increased creativity.

Mind your posture. As you walk, soften your chest and broaden your shoulders; tuck your chin slightly and keep your eyes focused about 20 feet in front of you. (For more tips on walking form, visit “How to Walk: A Step-by-Step Guide.”)

Walking: An ideal form of exercise

Have you ever resolved on New Year’s Day to start exercising more—only to find that you didn’t have the time or couldn’t afford expensive lessons, classes, or gym fees? Maybe concerns about injuries kept you on the sidelines. Walking could just be the way to keep your resolution. Here’s why:

• You already know how to do it. Just put one foot in front of the other. There’s no learning curve like you would have if you took up a new activity, such as Zumba or tennis.
• You can do it anywhere. Step out your front door. Take a walk from where you work. You can walk around areas that you frequent, such as the grocery store, a shopping center, a place of worship, or the homes of friends and family.
• You don’t need any special equipment. If you’re walking for exercise, it’s best to have a comfortable pair of shoes, preferably sneakers. But that’s it! While there are some items of clothing and gear that can make walking more enjoyable, they are not essential.
• It’s gentle on your knees—and the rest of your body. Unlike running, you keep one foot on the ground at all times when you’re walking, making it a low-impact, joint-friendly type of exercise.

Attending to the following points will help you taking a mindful walk:

Start by bringing your attention to the sensations in your body.

Breathe in smoothly through your nose, taking deep breaths. 

Feel your lungs expand from top to bottom rather than just at the top.

Engage your senses fully. Notice each sight, touch, and sound so that you savor every sensation.

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