Wellness Wednesday emails are designed to provide you with simple tools, information, and resources to encourage positive and healthy lifestyle choices. As a proud recipient of The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, The Be Kind People Project is committed to the health and wellness of their employees, friends, and family.
Take a Walk!
Are you looking for an easy and free way to stay fit and healthy? Take a walk! Just lace up your sturdiest and most supportive shoes, and let’s take a walk. Don’t forget to bring a mask with you while you walk in case you encounter other walkers, and remember to socially distance when possible!
Getting Started
If you’re looking to start walking, a sturdy pair of shoes (and a mask, of course) will suffice! Here are some additional tips for getting started with your new daily routine:
- Stay close: Choose a walking route near your home, like a scenic park, trail, or beach.
- Start small: Start walking for about 5-10 minutes each day. Then, slowly increase the amount of time until you reach your goal.
- Make it fun: If you don’t like walking alone, grab a friend or family member. If you prefer to walk solo, listen to music or podcasts – make sure you tell someone what route you’re taking!
- Sweat the technique: Level up your everyday walk into a fitness strut by practicing these tips recommended from the Mayo Clinic!
Staying Safe
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to get a little sunlight or fresh air during your day, but make sure you’re staying safe if you’re going for a walk outdoors. Whether you’re going out during the day, or prefer night-time when it’s cooler, here are some tips to stay safe:
- Stay in areas designed for pedestrians, and make sure they’re well-lit.
- If you’re walking in the early morning or late at night – make sure you wear reflective clothing or a light, so drivers see you.
- Wear sturdy shoes that have good arch support and a supportive heel.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, especially in warmer climates.
- Bring enough water to last your entire walk, so you stay hydrated.
- Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen year-round. Even on cloudy days!
Benefits
Not only is walking free and flexible enough to fit into your daily routine, but it’s also healthy for you! Taking a walk can help you stay healthy, not just physically, but mentally. Here are some of the benefits of walking:
- Heart-healthy: Taking a 30-minute walk every day can reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Maintain blood sugar: Taking a 15-minute walk after eating may help you lower your blood sugar levels!
- Supports your joints: Most of our joints don’t receive direct blood supply. Walking helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to these areas to help strengthen and lubricate your joints.
- Improve mental health: Walking for 30-minutes a day can help reduce anxiety, depression, and a negative mood.
- Promotes creative thinking:Stuck in a creative rut? Walking can help open up a free flow of creative ideas, while staying physically active!
Looking for even more health benefits? Click here for some more from the Arthritis Foundation!
Stepping out
Are you a day-time pedestrian or night-time stroller? Do you prefer a walk in the wilderness, or do you opt for the treadmill treatment? Let us know how you like to get your steps in!
Published September 2nd, 2020
By Krysta Flores, School Wellness Programs & Events Coordinator at BKPP
Questions? Comments? Want to contribute to the Wellness Wednesday Bulletin?
Send your ideas to Krysta Flores at krysta@bkpp.org.
