Why I Walk

Last week, as I was going for a 3-mile walk as I often do, I started thinking about why I walk.

I've been walking semi-regularly for a little over a year now and I miss it when I don't make it a part of my week. 

I walk to to clear my head and stop thinking about my squishy parts. As I get into my mid-40's (I'll be 43 in November) I finding myself getting squishier and the antidepressant I take doesn't help much with that either (definitely helps my mood + my mind). What I know to be true is that walking - or moving my body via yoga or Barre3 - helps minimize the voices in my head who like to regularly chatter about my body. When I don't walk or do some kind of movement I find myself obsessing about it all so much more. I'm also working on embracing those squishy parts - they are a part of my story and a part of who I am right now.  
I walk to watch the change of seasons happen right in front of my eyes. I'm lucky to live in an area where we experience distinct seasons and I love walking and capturing that through the lens of my camera. 
I walk to listen to podcasts and/or audiobooks. Currently listening to The Feel Good Effect. The Daily, Pantsuit Politics, Pod Save The People, NPR Politics, and MindBodyGreen. I also just started listening to the new season of Serial and recently finished Jessica Sprague's Stretched Too Thin audiobook. 
I walk to get out of my house. I love working at home and it works really well for me and my lifestyle overall. That said, sometimes it's really easy to rarely leave the house especially during the times when neither Aaron or I have kids around (we both work from home). Going for a walk helps get me moving (literally) and out of the walls of my home. 
I walk, honestly, because it's one of the easiest ways for me to get movement into my day. I just have to walk out the door and move my legs. 

I walk to get the opportunity to connect with friends or sometimes chat on the phone with my Mom. Love the opportunity to walk with local friends and catch up and commiserate and support each other.
I walk because I genuinely like it and I love getting the chance to breathe the air. 

Do you walk? What do you love about it? 

You can read more posts about my overall wellness journey here. I also have an Instagram account dedicated to this topic where I'm documenting my journey: @ae_wellness