These Boots (Converse) Are Made for Walkin’

You can talk the talk, but do you walk the walk?

Walking is an underestimated way to move your body and clear your mind. It is something that can be completed as a short 10-minute way to move your body and get away from your desk and computer, or you can make it as long as you crave and need. 

You might already be aware of the many great benefits that walking can provide to you and ultimately, your business, but in case you need a refresher, here are some top benefits of going for a walk!

Physical Health Benefits

Let’s get into the obvious! Walking is a great form of low-impact physical activity, whatever pace you set. 

A few ways that walking and going for walks benefit you physically are that it:

• Strengthens the heart and improves circulation

• Lowers the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke

• Boosts metabolism

• Strengthens your muscles and bones - maintains bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis

• Enhances immune functions - slower and moderate exercise has been shown to strengthen the immune system, as there is less shock to the body than higher endurance activities

As you can see, a light walk to clear your head or just get out of the house has so many essential benefits for your physical health.

If you’re interested in learning more about the physical benefits of walking, you can find more information through the following links:

• https://physioclinic.med.ubc.ca/the-benefits-of-walking/

• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/walking-for-good-health 

• https://www.heartandstroke.ca/healthy-living/stay-active/benefits-of-physical-activity 

But it isn’t your physical health that reaps the rewards of a good walk…

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Yep, walking has mental and emotional benefits too!

When you take a walk, a stroll, or even a skip, it can benefit you in the following ways:

• Reduces stress and anxiety through the release of “feel-good hormones” (endorphins)

• Touching grass (figuratively and literally) boosts mood through exposure to the outdoors and new environments

• Enhances memory, focus, concentration and cognitive performance

While we are on the subject of the mental benefits of walking, there is an incredible article from Helps Counselling based in British Columbia about using walking and running as a way for strong emotional processing. 

They showcase that walking naturally engages bilateral stimulation (used in EMDR psychology practices) by alternating movement of your legs. In turn, helping people manage stress and process emotions! The repetitive alternating movement has shown it can decrease anxiety alongside creating a safe place for reflection, processing and sneakily reducing stress. 

They give some tips on how to achieve bilateral stimulation - TLDR;

• Choose a peaceful, known route - free from distractions to maintain clear focus

• Focus on rhythmic moment - pay attention to the pacing of your steps to keep your brain engaged 

• Stay mindful - maintain awareness of your surroundings (touching grass is good for you, I swear)

• Start gradually - begin with shorter walking sessions and increase as you become more comfortable

If you’re interested in learning more about bilateral stimulation (AKA walking and running for emotional processing), then you’ll want to check out this Helps Counselling article!

The Entrepreneur Effect

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “How does this affect me as a business owner?” 

But your days are probably extremely busy with being a business owner, and it's important that you can be the best you for your team, clients and even yourself! 

Being able to have an open mind that was cleared by regular walks and bilateral stimulation can also lead you to come up with new ideas for your business, settle your nervous system and mind, and, in turn, could potentially be a great thing for your business. 

There is a preconceived notion that one needs to walk 10k + steps a day to achieve the most physically, mentally, and energetically. BUT it’s important to remember that any steps are good steps, and a good goal to make is anything you can handle within your own body and day!

Whether you need to add a little movement to your day, are looking for a reset or a break, while talking the talk (therapy, venting, talking it out) is helpful, so is walking the walk!