There's something magical about May. The hawthorn blossom clouds the hedgerows, dawn arrives earlier each day, and nature issues its annual invitation to step outside and breathe deeply. It's fitting that May is National Walking Month – a celebration of one of humanity's most fundamental and transformative activities.
I've just returned from a four-day, 72-mile trek around the Isle of Arran's coastal path, and I'm still processing the profound lessons learned with each step. Battling sideways rain to locate a trig point, conquering a 874-metre peak in scorching heat, and navigating precarious cliff edges taught me something essential: walking isn't just physical exercise – it's a practice in resilience, mindfulness, and self-discovery.
The Science of Walking
Research consistently shows that walking boosts creative thinking by up to 60%, with benefits lasting even after we've sat back down. No wonder philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche declared, ‘All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.’ But beyond creativity, walking offers remarkable benefits:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Better weight management
- Strengthened bones and muscles
- Elevated mood and reduced stress
- Enhanced cognitive function
- Better sleep quality
Walking as Meditation
What I've discovered through years of walking – from gentle morning strolls to challenging mountain ascents – is the creation of a unique space for reflection. When we're navigating boulder fields or following coastal paths, our busy minds quieten. Problems that seemed enormous at our desks often right-size themselves after twenty minutes of putting one foot in front of another.
During my Arran adventure, I noticed how each challenging section demanded presence. You can't worry about tomorrow's meeting when you're focussing on secure footing. This enforced mindfulness is perhaps walking's greatest gift – it brings us firmly into the present moment.
Making Walking Work for You
You don't need to tackle mountains to experience the benefits of walking and gentle movement. This National Walking Month, I invite you to experiment with different approaches:
- The Mindful Morning Walk: Before checking emails, take 15 minutes to walk your neighbourhood. Notice five things you've never seen before.
- The Problem-Solving Stroll: Take a work challenge on a walk. Let your feet find the rhythm while your mind explores solutions.
- The Gratitude Ramble: With each step, name something you're thankful for. Simple but surprisingly powerful.
- The Sensory Safari: Focus on one sense per minute – what do you hear, see, smell, feel, even taste in the air?
Journal Prompts for Walkers
After your walks, try these reflective prompts:
- What was one small detail you noticed that you might usually miss?
- How did your body feel different after walking compared to before?
- What thoughts seemed to drift away as you walked?
- What solutions or insights emerged without forcing them?
Walking reminds us that progress happens one step at a time. Whether you're processing life changes, seeking creative inspiration, or simply needing to clear your head, your feet know the way. This May, give yourself permission to wander – you might be surprised where the path leads.
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About Anna
Hello! I'm Anna – writer, wellbeing advocate, and devoted outdoor wanderer. There's nothing I love more than combining my passion for words with the healing power of nature.
My mission? To share the transformative magic of creative and expressive writing with 100,000 people over the next decade. Through Writing with Purpose, I blend outdoor adventures with journalling practices to create meaningful experiences for personal growth.
Whether you're seeking deeper self-awareness, navigating life transitions, or simply craving more connection with nature and yourself, I'm here to guide you. My approach weaves together professional writing expertise with evidence-based wellbeing practices, supported by specialised certifications in journal therapy and eco psychology.
Ready to begin your journey?
- Join me for a Wild Writing Walkshop – where nature meets narrative
- Explore my collection of guided journals and inspirational notebooks
- Discover the basics with my on-demand Journalling for Beginners course – coming soon, register your interest
- Dive deeper with the transformative six-week Journal to the Self programme – coming soon, register your interest
- Listen to my podcast – conversations about writing, journalling and nature connection
Let's explore how writing can unlock your potential – one word, one step at a time.