"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Neil Armstrong was talking about the moon, but walking can be a giant leap for your health and happiness.
It doesn't have to be complicated. Walking can make you feel better, sharper, and sleep more soundly. This National Walking Day, let's take a look at all the ways you can thrive via walking.
Want to build lasting habits? Begin with achievable goals and set yourself up for success. Start with simple goals you can weave into the fabric of your daily life. A five-to-10-minute walk on your lunch break is better than not moving for eight hours. A 15-minute stroll at the end of the workday can help melt away the day's stress. If you miss a day, take it in stride. Remind yourself how good you felt after walking and pick it up the next day.
The American Heart Association established National Walking Day in 2007.
"Walking is a simple way to add more physical activity to your day and the benefits go beyond physical health," said Monik Jiménez, ScD, SM, FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer and instructor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in a news release. "Getting the recommended amount of physical activity each week, which can be achieved through walking, is linked to a lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles and improved mental health."
Imagine a simple activity that could shield you from heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, as well as strengthen your bones and muscles, increase energy levels, and improve your mood, memory, and sleep. That's the power of a brisk walk, according to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
The faster, farther, and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits.
Take your walks with the sunrise or sunset and capture those perfect colors painted across the horizon with your phone as you go. Find the rhythm of your footsteps as you combine walking with volunteering and pick up litter as you circle your neighborhood block. Learn something new while walking by listening to a podcast or listening to a few chapters of that book you keep meaning to get to.
Think of it less as a mundane task and more as an opportunity to develop a symphony of health benefits.
If you're looking for opportunities to walk more in nature than your neighborhood, there are several great locations throughout the Brazos River Basin.
Possum Kingdom Lake has a hike and bike trail that features a scenic two-mile walk or a full 16-mile journey. Those who reach the trail's summit, Johnson Peak, can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake and the popular Hell's Gate. The PK trail system – which is open year-round - offers access to BRA parks with restrooms, playgrounds, and campsites. Click here for a printable map of the trails.
Another big bonus to visiting Possum Kingdom Lake is that the reservoir is also adjacent to the 1,528.7-acre Possum Kingdom State Park.
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department keeps an ongoing list of hikes and nature walks at its state parks.
Prefer to hike on your own? Try a new location by selecting one of these more than 2,000 trails in Texas. For even more options, check out Texas Outside here.
No matter where you go, don't forget to pack water and wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes. Sunscreen is a must and, don't forget, many parks allow you to bring your dog on a leash.
National Walking Day is a great reminder. Because it's not really just about one day, but every day, transforming each step into a celebration of health, happiness, and movement.