I used to think walking was just the lazy man's (or women's) run.
"If you're gunna go through all that trouble of pumping those arms and moving those hips, just pick up your feet, step up the pace, and run!" I'd say to myself.
Then I got pregnant. And, as it turns out, walking was for me (and running was definitely not
).
In fact, it's something I kept up long after pregnancy, because I began to see how important an early morning walk was for me as a mama.
And I want to take a minute to convince you that walking might be for you, too. So here are 7 benefits of an early morning walk for moms.
7 Benefits of an Early Morning Walk
1. It Gives You Time Alone
When we don't get time alone in a healthy way, we all to often go to false sources of "self-care" (like spending our energy trying to distract our kids, scrolling through Instagram, or zoning out in front of show at the end of the day).
When we don't do it right, we start idolizing "me-time". Yet never quite feel satisfied.
Waking up before the kids and getting in a morning walk allows you to practice self-care in a healthy, life-giving way.
***Tip: use this time alone to pray and meditate on who God is.
>>> Read: 53 Morning Routine Ideas For Moms
2. Fast Pace Walking Can Give You a Similar Workout To Running.
Starting a running routine can seem so daunting, and many people will never start it because it is too overwhelming.
Walking, on the other hand, just isn't quite as intimidating.
Yet you can still get many of the same benefits you would from running! For me, that's a win-win.
A National Walkers Health Study found that cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure were all reduced at similar levels for both runners and walkers who participated in the study.
The moral of the story: get up and go for a walk! The exercise will clear your head, increase your energy, and hopefully leave you feeling more excited about the day ahead with your little ones.
3. Walking Can Boost Your Creativity
The increased blood flow to the brain and the extra oxygen being released to your muscles both help increase our creativity. And being a more intentional, engaged mama often requires creativity.
Plus, the extra endorphins never hurt 🙂
A walk outside can elevate those creative juices - sometimes just seeing a squirrel bounce around or the trees swaying brings new ideas to mind.
Creativity just makes life a little more fun, right?
4. Increase Gratitude
Not only does being in nature help you to get creative with your kids, it will also allow you to slow down and appreciate what you have.
When I'm outside, looking at the trees, breathing in the mountains, and watching the scurrying chipmunks, I can feel tension leaving my body. It helps me reorient my priorities.
I become more grateful.
5. Taking a walk everyday might boost your confidence
And who doesn't need an extra dose of self-confidence???
Not only will your confidence increase because you're taking care of your body, but I know for me, when I'm on a walk, the internal dialogue that says I can't do something, or don't have what it takes, seems to dissipate.
And boosting your self confidence will help you feel strong in who you are as a mom. Feeling strong and confident allows you to be more purposeful with your little ones throughout the day.
6. A daily walk helps relieve stress
And even more so when the walk is done in natural settings (as opposed to an urban/city environment).
So if you've been feeling tense, it's time to do something about it. Don't let it sit and fester - release it. Breath the fresh, cool air deeply. Get your body moving.
7. Gives you time to appreciate the beauty of nature
With kids to get to school, meetings to attend, babies to feed, and houses to take care of, we don't always get the time we may want (and need) to appreciate the beauty of nature.
And what good it does for the soul - to look at the world around us and see our Creator in it all.
Really, what do you have to lose?
Still not convinced that walking could make you a more intentional mom? Then you might just have to try it for yourself and prove me wrong...Give going on a walk a try!
I'm rooting for you,
