Walk with purpose

Mixing up the time of day, and the purpose of your strolls, can help make the habit more exciting and beneficial. Here are five fun walks to try.

I SPY WALK

HOW TO DO IT

Have a lot on your mind? Go for a walk and look around. It’s a great way to distract your brain from thinking about to-do lists or worst-case scenarios and instead zone in on a single achievable task. To help calm your mind down, have a really good look at what’s around you – what do you spy? Say it to yourself or to your walking partner: I spy a red car. I spy a new neighbour. I spy a tree in bloom.

Ask yourself Did you feel relaxed afterwards? Did you realise you weren’t bogged down with so many thoughts? Did you have a smile on your face?

GROUNDING WALK

HOW TO DO IT

On the next sunny day, go to a park, a beach or another place where you feel comfortable taking off your shoes and spending some time walking. You can even pace in the backyard, if you like. Spread out your toes and wiggle them; let your feet fully grasp the soil beneath you. If your feet get dirty, even better! Allow yourself to be fully present as you walk slowly and focus on your posture. Feel the energy move through your whole body with each step while practising deep breathing.

Ask yourself

On what surfaces did you walk? What did you feel grateful for as you made your steps? Where did you walk, and why is that location so special?

RAIN WALK

HOW TO DO IT

The sights, sounds and scents of a walk in the rain are often some of the most powerful for your senses. The colours of the ground, trees and leaves all become new shades; the air smells fragrant and rich. The landscape takes on a new personality during rainfall, and to be fully aware and in tune with it is a gift to your senses and your body. Once you get used to rain walking, you’ll want to head out at the first sign of drizzle!

Ask yourself What did you hear? What did you smell? Did you carry an umbrella, and, if so, what did the rain sound like as it hit the fabric?