10 Ways to Make Moving Every Day Feel Good

Busy? Then use your daily walk as a time to strengthen your social connections. “I have people that I never get around to calling,” says Kusch. “Now I give them 30 minutes and we catch up while I move my body.” Improving your own health along with that of your friendships—a definite win-win.

When walking is at its best, you experience a heightened version of life while watching the kilos fall off. You may want to leave your phone at home, but if you’re into Instagram, snap pics while you exercise. “It lets you be creative and sharing them can inspire friends to get out there,” says fitness expert and Prevention walking guru Sarah Kusch.

If you’ve found seated meditation practically impossible, try quieting your mind while you exercise. “You can get a lot of the same benefits just by focusing 3on your breath and body,” says Kusch.

“So what if you take a short break?” asks Kusch. “I met one of my best friends while walking. If I hadn’t stopped and said hello, I’d have missed out on a lifelong pal.” Yet another reason why 79% of respondents to a 2015 poll of 3000 city dwellers rated walkability a4s a top priority within their community.

Fitbits. Garmins. There are so many cool options for wearable tech as well as apps that will track your steps and speed. “They’re really motivating,” says Kusch. “My favourite app is RunKeeper.” Remember, though, that good ol’ pedometers will also do the trick.

It’s one of the fastest ways to feel happier and healthier. “Some days I spend my entire walk simply thinking of things or people I am grateful for,” reveals Kusch. “It makes me happy and I go back to the ‘real world’ a better person.” Sounds smart to us!

“Sometimes I’m mad or just crabby,” says Kusch. “Instead of letting it ruin my day, I give myself 30 minutes to be pissy. I start exercising and within five minutes I’m over it.” Recognising and accepting your entire emotional landscape (not just the positive feelings) is a recipe for balance.

“New surroundings cultivate new thoughts and add interest to your walks,” says Kusch. “Even if you don’t travel, I’d bet that there is a nearby neighbourhood, forest or city you could explore. Just get out there.” Log on to mapmywalk.com/au/ to find new walks in your area, from scenic bush trails to coastal tracks rich with eye-popping views.

It’s the easy way to exercise your body and your brain. “I’m often so tired that when I do have a spare moment to read, I fall asleep,” laughs Kusch. “So I love downloading audiobooks for my daily walks. I’ll get through a chapter or two in 30 minutes, and then knowing the next chapter is waiting makes me excited for my walks.” Try iTunes or booktopia.com.au.

Get enlightened while you walk by downloading free audio series. Hello, instant inspiration. On an iPhone? Use the podcast app or try Stitcher.

If you’re into health

You’ll love ‘Only Human’. Beautifully told stories about health and our bodies: “because every body has a story”. Totally addictive!

If you want to be inspired

Try the ‘TED Radio Hour’. Each episode focuses on a theme—happiness or creativity, for example—covered in the TEDTalks given by the world’s leading thinkers.

If you need serious laughs Listen to the ‘Nerdist’ where Chris Hardwick interviews a range of comedians and entertainers while discussing “what it really means to be a nerd”. A classic.

If you want a good story

An incredibly entertaining podcast, ‘Invisibilia’ talks about the intangible forces that control human behaviour.

If your sex life could use spice<

‘Sex with Emily’ (straight-talking expert Emily Morse) is informative and entertaining while o ering realistic advice on love, relationships and libido.

If you want in-depth interviews

Meet ‘Desert Island Discs’. With an archive going back decades, celebs and fascinating people play favourite tracks and share snippets of their lives. Start with Dawn French—you won’t regret it!

10 Ways to Make Moving Every Day Feel Good

10 Ways to Make Moving Every Day Feel Good

10 Ways to Make Moving Every Day Feel Good