Ummm, hello? Your body here. Can you please, please take me for a walk?
Signs are everywhere, and the ones your mind, mood and body send often tell you what you need if you just stop and listen. We surveyed the 99 Walks Pack and discovered nine common messages that just might mean it’s time to lace up your sneakers and head out for a walk.
You’re Feeling Grumpy
“When I can't shake off the frustrations of the day and just feel down in the dumps, I know it’s time to go for a walk. Heading out for a walk gives me the time to process my emotions, focus on my breathing, and forces me to look up and around me at all the beauty that surrounds me. By the time I get home, I've left that grumpy mood behind me!” —Erin S
Your Body Feels Stiff
“One sign I need a walk is when I get up in the morning and I can feel the stiffness (arthritis) in my joints; wet, rainy weather only enhances the stiffness. I know I need to get out and walk to ease the stiffness and clear my head. To top it off, there’s such beauty this time of year to appreciate.” —Kathy B
You’re Not Feeling Like Yourself
“When I just feel “off,” stiff, sore and cranky, I know it's time for a walk! I just don’t feel like myself if I don’t get my walk in during the day, and I sleep better, too!” —Annie S
You’re Feeling Frustrated
“When I get frustrated and it seems I just can’t take any more, it is time to go for a walk! Once I get out and walk, my blood pressure lowers, my anxiety goes down and I feel better. After a while, I feel I can return to what was frustrating me and complete what needs to be done!” —Colleen P
You’re Reaching for Caffeine
“I know a good time to take a walk is when I am sleepy but it’s in the middle of the afternoon. I know coffee will keep me up late, but a walk will wake me up and reinvigorate me.” —Sarah H.
You’ve Checked Out of Reality
“When I fall into the social media trap and catch myself scrolling Instagram or watching TikToks mindlessly, it's a clear sign my brain needs a break. Taking a walk is a much better way to spend that 15, er, 60 minutes.” —Jamie C.
Your Sweet Tooth is Screaming
“When 3:00 p.m. strikes and I find myself heading into the kitchen to look for something sweet or salty (or both!), I tell myself to walk on by the cabinet and right out the door for a 10-minute walk around the block. The distraction and fresh air curbs my sweet tooth and I’ve added steps and not calories!” —Jessica M.
You’re Virtually Annoyed
“I went from traveling full-time to less than 50%, with the rest of my work being in a home office. When my irritation level rises from virtual meeting after meeting, I know it’s time for a walk to get my sanity back. For short-term fun, I resorted to putting on a dinosaur costume to amuse myself in meetings, but then went out for a 3-mile walk. I muttered to myself along the way, but I am good for the evening when I get back home!” —Kathy N
You’re Anxiety Level Peaks
“When my anxiety is too high, I know I need to walk. Afterwards I feel so much better.” —Kimberly W.
Of course don’t neglect your fur-ever friend begging at your feet, or a call from a friend wanting to connect. Both are great signs that it’s time to get out for a walk. Whatever your sign, try a walk and see just how good you feel both mentally and physically when you get home.
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Take your first step towards health and happiness, all through the simple act of walking. Start today with two weeks free.