Life is busy and can be overwhelming. Wednesday is often our busiest day. And that’s when we most need the reminder to take a moment to stop, get moving, check in with ourselves and do something positive (yet quick!) for our wellbeing.
#WalkWednesday is a weekly prompt to wander, be present and ponder. Sign up here to receive the newsletter direct to your inbox early every Wednesday. Or keep reading to find out why you would want to…
WHY WALKING?
If you just have a few minutes to walk around your room, that’s great. If you can, a longer wander as you commute or on your lunch break will make a really positive difference to how you feel. Here’s why.
Walking reduces our stress levels, boosts our physical and mental health, improves our thinking and helps us communicate more openly. Walking within two hours of waking up gives us exposure to sunlight in a way that helps us sleep better, enhances our mood and makes us feel more alert. It’s even better for our wellbeing to walk in or near nature.
WHY ‘BEING PRESENT’?
#WalkWednesday is about being present in really simple, quick, effective ways by taking a few deep breaths, wandering, being aware of how you’re feeling and noticing the world around you.
Breathing affects every cell in our bodies. Taking three deep breaths has an instant, relaxing effect. When we are relaxed and present, we are able to check in with what’s going on for us, think more clearly and make useful decisions about what we need.
WHY ASK QUESTIONS?
#WalkWednesday invites you to engage with the world around you and reflect on your own experience or mindset. For example, good stuff like, what gives us energy, reviewing our boundaries, pacing ourselves, forgiveness, being aware of the seasons, or connecting with other people.
The clear, open ended questions give you a chance to easily ponder your own resilience and wellbeing. Ultimately, you can then come up with your own ideas that fit your personal situation and make small changes that could make a big difference. Walking while thinking helps you feel more creative and optimistic too.
WHY SHARING?
Feel more connected to #WalkWednesday walkers by sharing your walk photos and ponders on LinkedIn or Instagram. This bonds us as a community, gives different perspectives and reminds us that we are walking alone yet together. (Not sharing is fine too – whatever works for you!).
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#WalkWednesday is based on all I’ve learnt (and continue to learn) from my training and experience as a Resilience Coach. (As well as a decade of coaching experience, I have oodles of coaching qualifications. I’m an accredited Resilience Engine Practitioner, Mental Health First Aider and walk enthusiast).
I specialise in connecting people to themselves, their environment and each other. When we are connected, we have energy, avoid burnout, build confidence, easily solve problems and have great relationships. Get in touch if you’d like to know more about how I could help you or your colleagues feel more confident, energised and connected.
Really looking forward to wandering and pondering with you.
- Sign up to #WalkWednesday
- Take a look at previous #WalkWednesday questions