So it’s a Saturday afternoon, and you’re curled up on the couch in your comfy sweatpants and two-sizes-too-big baggy t-shirt…sound familiar? (Me too. Actually happening right this moment -que the embarrassed face-)
You want to go workout, but you just can’t. You’ve already had a few slices of greasy bacon for breakfast, you’re all snuggled up, and eh, the couch sounds so much better than the treadmill.
Believe me, I get it. We’ve all been there. And many times. No matter how dedicated we can be, there’s still some days where we can’t find the motivation. But here’s the thing, there’s a simple solution: walk.
Okay, walk? No, I really mean what I said. Walk. Just a simple twenty minute walk every day can change your life.
So…how? Well, it’s cardio. Even if it’s small. A walk gets your blood pumping and body moving. It helps to release endorphins that will help you sleep, lower your stress levels, and make you feel relaxed. And it’s a simple way to still get a small workout in on days where you just don’t have motivation.
Alright, I know what you’re thinking. A walk sounds lame. How do you get yourself to do it without feeling like it’s completely pointless and boring?
1. The Walk-and-Talk: This is my personal favorite. Living away from home has taught me the importance of communicating with people you’re apart from, and the best thing is, you’ll always have something new to catch up on, especially if you haven’t talked in a while. I have my parents, my sister, and a group of close friends sprinkled in different states that I’ll try to schedule talking time with. I’ll plan for a time when we’re both free, then grab my phone and gym shoes and head outside (or head to the gym if it’s cold). Sometimes an hour will go by without me even realizing it. It’s so simple, but it helps to get you moving. (Best part is–you don’t even have to get all dressed in workout clothes. Wear what makes you comfortable, wear what you’ve had on all day at work, just go out and do it! But gym shoes do help)
2. The Buddy:
So you live close by to someone you care about? Perfect. Schedule a time when you’re both free and just go for a walk and chat about your day. Even if you live close to someone, or even talk everyday, you can still find things to chat about. (This also works with your significant other–what a great way to bond, but also do something small to keep yourselves active!)
3. Woofs and Tails: Whether you have a furry friend or not, this type of walking can apply to you. If you have a pet at home, perfect. If you don’t, see if you can take someone else’s pup for a walk–they’ll appreciate it, and you’ll love the chance to just be outside with an animal. The only downside is having to pick up poop, but the upsides are fuzzy faces, wagging tails, so many sniffs, and a chance to make an animal’s day.
4. The Solo: Sometimes being by yourself can be incredibly refreshing, so don’t overlook this type of walk. A solo walk gives you time to re-energize yourself after a long day, think about your future plans, come to terms with something difficult, or just get your mind off things that are bothering you. (Tip: I think the best way to enjoy this walk is to leave your cellphone behind–get off the grid for a while and just enjoy being outside! If it’s too cold to be outside, going to the gym to walk will do the same thing, but you might enjoy some headphones and music, too!)
5. The Hand-Hold: This type of walk is dedicated to the little guys. Whether you have a child, younger sibling, cousin, niece/nephew, family friend, or even a neighbor, taking them for a walk will brighten your day (and theirs!) Little kids have the tendency to point out things you don’t notice, ask a lot of questions, and have plenty of action-packed stories to share with you. Enjoy seeing life through their eyes for a little bit! (Just make sure to ask permission to take someone else’s kid, first!)
- The Adventure Walk:
This is for all the thrill-seekers, the go-getters, and the let’s-explore-the-world types. Find a place you haven’t trekked, whether a forest, mini-mountain, creek area, etc. and spend some time walking and climbing. It can make a boring walk a lot more fun, and it burns more calories than you’d think! Bring a friend, a pet, or go solo–whatever works for you.
Just a few simple ways to conquer those lazy days and change your daily life 🙂
Photo Credits: Pop Sugar, Unsplash, Toovia, Keep Calm, Women’s Daily, Discovery Park. Featured: Impulsive Mind.