Over the summer I started a walking practice and I haven’t missed a day since I began. The seed was planted after relentlessly being targeted by social media with ads concerning all things menopause. I’ll be 46 in eight days, so those type of ads aren’t surprising; but my complete obsession with walking every single day as a result of the ads is! They may have been trying to sell me on buying a weighted vest (which I have not) but I did pay attention to all the benefits that walking can bring. I think initially I just wanted to get some sunshine and some landscaping inspiration from the neighbors, but it was pretty immediate that I noticed positive benefits and decided to devote myself to a daily half hour walk.

I think most of us know that exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight and builds up our endurance and muscle tone, but for me, the greatest benefit of walking daily has been the boost to my mood. Is it the vitamin D, the fresh air in my lungs, the healthy sweat, or the friendly smiles and waves from the neighbors? I’d wager to say its all of these things and a heap of satisfaction that comes with accomplishing intentional movement every single day. I feel more level, patient, calm, and thanks to better sleep, more rested. The fact that I feel such an improvement in my mood from an activity that requires little more than a decent pair of shoes and some sweatpants is amazing!

I walk seven days a week. No breaks. I feel better when I get a walk in and I sleep better too, so I don’t want to skip a day. And in the last month I’ve started walking our Scottish terrier in the mornings on Monday/Wednesday/Friday. So three days a week I start and end my day with a walk! I also lift weights on those three days and keep a Bowspring practice on Tuesday and Thursday. Saturday is the Sabbath day and I do my evening walk, but nothing else. I also have a treadmill in the garage to get me through the harsh weather in the coming winter months. The treadmill was given to me as a hand-me-down from a friend, but if I hadn’t been gifted it; I would have probably gotten a walking pad to use.

For shoes, I am currently wearing Avia sneakers from Walmart. They are so comfy and really cute too! I don’t think you need to spend a lot of money on shoes unless you want to. I also just wear inexpensive athletic shorts or sweatpants. Nothing fussy.

I hope this post has planted a seed in you to maybe pick up a movement practice as we enter the dark half of the year. I heard someone say that we don’t have a cold and flu season but a lack of vitamin D season. Ha! Well, maybe walking out in the sunshine will help me stay healthy this winter too? I’m excited to see where it takes me.

I hope you have a great week! Until next time, keep moving!