The power of walking

The Power of Walking – A perspective by Trevor Pickering

I have always felt that we all need to have objectives and goals in our daily lives which gives us both direction and purpose. Inherently, we all feel the need/hope to remain healthy as it contributes so much to life’s experiences and enjoyment from simply ‘Feeling Good’. Having to keep records are the goal posts of a healthy daily activity which can be reflected by a sense of well-being and achievement and positive reinforcement to our mental wellness.

‘My motto “I Walk to Live”

The motto has never (become) more so profound as I age, having to face the challenges, as we all must, of simply getting older. I walk to live is the mantra which has, for me created the daily energy and fuel, to simply get up and GO each day! I have a sense, based on no scientific understanding, that daily walking refreshes and oxygenates both our mind and body.

 The sights, the smells, the sounds can both stimulate and yet produce a sense of calmness allowing us to deal with issues/problems which can be thought through more clearly and give sensible perspectives.

Getting started

The very early years of unstructured walking came about because of dealing with life in the corporate world and the stress that comes with the job when in my forty and fifties and sixties. Even then the frequent evening walks helped to think things through and find solutions, alternatives and strategies. This then was the foundation for me to take walking more seriously which resulted in enjoying some scenic adventure walks in NZ. Over time walking became well and truly part of my everyday living without the need to think each morning ‘Will I, won’t I?’ So constant and regular walking, fortunately, has allowed the body to have continued good physical and mental strength at 88 years old.

Just keep moving..

Those around me say I am a very active person which is a fair description of who I am. I didn’t give up work until aged 84 and still have two regular volunteering roles.  One dealing with the public and the other in an aged care Nursing Home where I was employed for the last twelve years. Both these roles exercise the mind and maintain good communication skills and judgment.

Like starting anything new, the mind always asks, ‘Must I’? If considering starting a walking routine, firstly, talk to your doctor. Secondly, keep a simple record in a simple exercise book, computer, or your phone.  Commit to milestones. Walk the block, walk to the shop. Meet up with a like-minded friend. When walking, mentally minimise the physical effort, and maximise the senses of the world around you. Notice things people, houses, gardens, countryside, breathe in the air, feel a sense of wellbeing. In time it may well be that this is me, this is what I do to stay healthy. Also, in time, what you achieve may well give both mental and physical pay back which you will become only too aware of.

You don’t need to retire from life…

Having walked much of my later adult life there is a greater awareness of others of the older generation who may perhaps be enjoying a healthier lifestyle had they adopted a walking routine, particularly as they have aged. Some take retirement too literally and retire from life when it gives us a golden opportunity to do all the things that keep us healthy and allows us to push back the inevitable aging process.

There have of course been lots of experiences in achieving through daily walking, 21,000 kilometres over the past ten years. The people you meet, the wildlife in our national parks, the ocean in all its moods, the ever-changing weather. But most of all, going well beyond any sense of achievement, it is simply the return on investment, of so little time in our daily life, which has given both the mental and physical benefits which no pills or drugs can ever give!

Trevor Pickering