May is National Walking Month

The month of May is National Walking month, during which time we are all encouraged to walk – and I love walking any way!

This year and last, many of us have spent far too much time at home, even though we’ve been encouraged to walk to keep healthy.

As restrictions ease, walking is also a great way to meet up with friends and family.

Living Streets’ a UK walking charity, have undertaken some research to find out what people have enjoyed about walking and what would encourage them to keep walking when the lockdown restrictions are fully eased.

Their findings:

• 76% gave physical health benefits as a reason for their daily walking
• 56% gave mental health benefits as their reason.
• 36% said it was a good way to meet family and friends in a safe and legal way.
• 29% said they discovered new places
• 21% enjoyed the financial savings from walking rather than driving.
• Over half (56%) of 18- 24 year olds used walking to keep in touch with people during lockdown.

Why I love walking

I walk in my local area with my mum, daughter and dogs, but when I have the time, I love walking at Westonbirt Arboretum. It is such a beautiful place to walk, and the dogs love it too.

In the past when I travelled, I always loved to go on city breaks. Before Covid I was lucky enough to visit Barcelona, Madrid, Prague, Poland, Rome and Amsterdam. Once there, I love walking everywhere so I can take in the culture, have time to take photographs, sit outside cafes, watching the world go by and enjoy my surroundings. I’m looking forward to being able to travel again and see more of what other countries have to offer. 

Last year along with my team from Fraser Allen Estate Management, we walked 850,000 steps in May to raise money for dementia awareness. The number of steps was significant; it equates to the number of people in the UK who have dementia.

When I’m out walking it relaxes me, clears my head and gives me time to myself when I have such a busy schedule. It also gives me time to be creative in my thinking and when I return back to home or work, I am more relaxed to start again.

11 reasons why walking is good for you?

• increases cardiovascular fitness, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
• strengthen bones and eases joint pain, particularly knees and hips
• reduce body fat – you burn calories, helps you lose weight
• boost muscle powerful and endurance
• helps you to sleep better
• improves mood
• Can help lower blood sugar – if you take a short walk after eating.
• boosts immune function
• boosts your energy
• tones your legs
• gives you time to yourself to clear your head and think creatively.

7 fun activities to get you walking:

1. Let your children take you for a walk – their decision of the route.
2. Always take your camera or your phone with you, to capture your surroundings.
3. Take your children on a nature walk.
4. Invite friends who you haven’t been able to see for a while to go for a walk
5. Walk to your local shops rather than drive into town. Support local
6. Walk and talk – have a business meeting as you walk.
7. See how many NHS rainbows you can spot, or choose something else specific to make note of.