5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Outdoor Walks

5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Outdoor Walks

This post was sponsored by Hi-Tec®, all opinions are my own.

Back when I started this blog and when I first got into running, I believed that exercise had to be intense, hard, and sweaty in order to count. I picked up running precisely because it was so challenging to me. These days my attitude towards fitness and movement is completely different. I’m all about savoring and enjoying movement versus trying to punish my body.

Currently, my favorite ways to move include rollerblading, barre classes and most of all, going for walks outdoors, whether it’s in the city or on a trail. I feel like walking is so underrated in the wellness community. In my experience, a long (or short) walk can completely shift my mood and perspective.

Today, June 9th, happens to be National Get Outdoors Day. I’m celebrating by sharing 5 tips for making the most of your outdoor walks, a challenge I’m giving myself (and invite you to join me in) and my favorite places to walk around on Nantucket.

How to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Walks

1.) Listen to Your Favorite Music or Podcasts

I have nothing against a still, peaceful walk, however I’m personally someone who loves to listen. Whether it’s music or a podcast it helps get me excited to walk when I have something to occupy my mind or get me thinking (or dancing).

2.) Set an Intention for the Walk

Walking is an act of self care so why not use it to set an intention. You can use the intention for the rest of the day or just for the walk. Totally up to you. The intention I’ve been loving lately is: finding ways to bring joy and ease into my day.

3.) Observe and Appreciate Your Surroundings

Walking outside gives you an opportunity to observe and appreciate the world outside. I love going to a familiar place and looking for new ways to enjoy and experience it. This time of the year when it’s warm, it’s almost too easy to do just that. The leaves are just so green and lush and I love finding new flowers I haven’t seen before. Sometimes it can be as simple as just appreciating how the fresh air feels on your face. There’s always something to notice and appreciate.

4.) Wear the Right Gear

Sure, if you’re taking a 10 minute walk you probably don’t need anything fancy. However if you want to truly unwind, explore and go for a longer walk it really helps to have shoes that will support you. I recently discovered Hi-Tec’s Altitude Lite II hiking boots. As soon as I put them on I could feel how comfortable and supported my feet felt. I wish I had had them when I was living in London and walking 5+ miles a day.

A couple things I love about Hi-Tec’s Hiking Boots:

• They’re really cute and can be worn for a low key stroll or more intense hike
• They are waterproof which means no excuses for not going for a walk if it’s raining
• They’re durable and lightweight at the same time so they’re great for any outdoor occasion, even if it’s just a chill walk

5.) Set Your Phone on Airplane Mode – Take a Moment to Disconnect

If you’re going to make the effort to take care of your physical and mental health by going for a walk, why not take it to the next level. Whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour use this as an excuse to disconnect from the digital world. God, it feels so good to not be bombarded by notifications. Just don’t forget to download your favorite podcast or playlist first.

90 Day Walk Outdoors Challenge

For the next 90 days, I’m challenging myself and anyone who wants to join me to get outside and walk for at least 15 minutes every day. Right now I’m saying rain or shine, but we’ll see how that goes. My goal is just to create a little more space, joy, intention, and refreshment in my day. I realized that I’ve never regretted going for a walk so why not really focus on making it a priority in my life.

If you want to share on Instagram use the hashtag #ini4thelongwalk and if you’re walking around in Hi-Tec boots like me, let me know what your #MyHiTecView is! I’m excited to see who’s joining me for this challenge.

Walking Around on Nantucket

If you’re visiting or live on Nantucket this summer (or whenever) I wanted to share some of my favorite places to get outside and walk on the island. Over the next 90 days, I’ll definitely be hitting these spots up frequently. I find that when I have a beautiful, relaxing or stimulating place to walk around, I am so much more excited to go outside.

My top 5 Favorite Places to Walk Around on Nantucket:

1. Downtown & Cliff Road

2. The State Forrest

3. Steps Beach

4. Sconset Bluff Walk

5. The Back Roads on Miacomet Beach

This post was sponsored by Hi-Tec®, all opinions are my own.

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