A daily walk is not just for exercise.
Yes, it is physically invigorating.
Our muscles, joints, tendons and bones benefit from briskly walking up and down hills. Our cardiovascular and pulmonary systems are revitalized. We can track our heart rate in all five zones. We can see the VO2 max. We can even monitor our headphone audio levels.
But the benefits go far beyond movement and calorie consumption.
Our mental health benefits enormously. It’s amazing how many times I can solve problems on my daily neighborhood walk—problems that weren’t solved in the morning shower. I can truly say that 90% of my concerns become unfounded after a good night’s sleep or a walk.
Our connections to others are maintained. In an era where loneliness is oppressive, it is vital to our mental and physical health to reach out to other humans. Often just a quick smile, a nod of the head, or a “hello” is enough. It’s a reminder that we are all in this life together.
Our curiosity and creativity is stimulated. Looking at and being in nature—even urban nature—is a prescription for success in life. I know most of the different bird songs on my route now. I’m getting better at plant and flower ID. The dogs and cats know who I am—and so do the crows! I can also narrate which homeowner has reroofed, landscaped, added a new porch or sold their house in a 10 block radius.
Each walk tells a story.
Each walk breathes life.
Each walk inspires Creativity and Compassion—my two words for 2025.
What can you add to this list?
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Susan J. Baumgaertel, MD is an internal medicine physician who provides telemedicine medical consultation and advocacy for patients in WA state, and professional career pivot navigation support for physicians in the US. Find her at myMDadvocate.
Her book, The Menopause Menu, is an all-in-one giftbook, medical guide and recipe book for navigating menopause.