When my Daily Transformations clients ask me how to make the changes in their lives they’ve been wanting to make, I tell them one of their first key action steps is to actually step out and walk daily.  Sounds simple, but believe me, this is one important piece of advice when it comes to making over your life.

Sure you walk to the parked car, into your grocery store, and to the office from the parking lot multiple times a week. You may even walk your dog twice a day.

Yet when was the last time you just walked to take a walk?

It’s impossible to hold thoughts of worry in your mind after walking  20 minutes.  Between the sounds of nature, the breeze on my face and the views; I always get a better perspective on life after walking.  If you think about it; walking is the cheapest and most accessible form of therapy available.

Whether you’re an athlete that runs daily or a current couch potato, walking will improve your health, attitude, and clear your mind regardless of what’s weighing heavily upon it. When I was last traveling through Europe, I marveled at how many people were out walking after dinner.  My relatives were slim and healthy, far younger looking than my relatives state-side.  The difference?  Here in the US, no one really makes a habit of walking daily.  It’s looked upon as an inconvenience vs. a way of life here in the states compared to the European  lifestyle.

I suggest you take a walk daily, starting today. Make this something you do in addition to your normal exercise routine.  Bundle up if it’s cold in your neck of the woods, and get out there. Are you looking for real change in your life? Just walking 20 minutes a day will give it to you, I promise.  Want to experience something magical?  Grab a partner and take a walk late at night under the stars; the quiet and the sounds of nature soothes your head and prepares you for a deep night’s sleep.

During the daytime, listen to the birds, feel the sun on your face, and notice the colors developing as the seasons change all around you. There is no better way to connect with mother nature, and your own internal peace, than walking.

Walking on a regular basis naturally tones your body and works out the kinks imposed on our anatomy navigating everyday life.  Sitting at a desk, driving a car, working out, or lifting children all tend to put unnatural strains on the body. Walking works out the kinks, gets your joint fluids flowing and loosens that tight low back.  Walking is one of the lowest impact sports you can do; perfect for recovering from injury and as a daily life long practice.

I gave up my car one summer in college and walked everywhere.  Those walks led to my winning the best legs contest on campus~just from walking!
This practice will change your body, mind, psyche and even;  life.

Do I really need to remind you to leave your cell phone at home?
xo

Image courtesy of Simon Howden at freedigitalphotos.net.