Why Would You Choose to Walk Solo?
The Joys of Walking Solo
My phone lit up with an email from CBC requesting an interview for the radio show North by Northwest. CBC is a pretty iconic Canadian organization. Needless to say, I was intrigued.
The show had been doing a series on walking and the host was looking for a different perspective to balance previous interviews on walking groups to highlight the solo alternative. Thanks to GOOGLE - she found me.
It was a short and fun conversation about my solo walking experience. If you haven’t heard it - you can catch it here.
How many benefits do you need?
As I prepared for and then later reviewed the interview segment, it made me think a little harder about WHY people would choose to embark on a long-distance walk alone - beyond MY personal experience. Sort of like travelling solo - it’s not unheard of but not all that common.
Here’s the thing - the benefits are very compelling - so compelling that I challenge you to pick one (or two or three) that are persuasive enough to get you to head outside on your own for a walk this week!
Physical Health
Walking is the poster child for a low-impact exercise that will improve your heart health, boost stamina, and increase muscle strength. Keep walking farther and walking will improve endurance and overall fitness.
Mental & Emotional Well-being
Walking, especially in nature, has been shown to reduce stress levels, anxiety, and depression. I found a rhythm in the repeated steps that felt much like a mindfulness activity or meditation.
Better Sleep
ZZZZZZZ Long-distance walking (like any regular activity) can lead to improved sleep quality and duration. Who doesn’t want to feel more rested and energized?
Connection with Nature
Long walks often take place in scenic surroundings, offering an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the environment. Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mood, enhanced creativity, and reduced feelings of fatigue.
“We can do hard things!” Embarking on a solo long-distance walk requires planning, preparation, and self-discipline. While everyone’s goals may differ at the outset - go farther, go faster, go higher, or simply avoid getting lost - the journey will undoubtedly require some navigation, test physical limits, and overcome obstacles.
Introspection and Personal Growth
When you are on a long walk by yourself, there is plenty of time for self-reflection. The solitude and uninterrupted space primes you to be open to insights, set goals, and create some distance between yourself and a problem to find a new perspective.
Self-esteem
Accomplishing a long-distance walk solo is an incredibly empowering experience and earns you a well-deserved sense of achievement. It doesn’t matter if it is a famously long trek, or the farthest you’ve ever gone - getting out there is worthy of a pat on the back!
Spirituality
A benefit typically reserved for the context of religious pilgrimages, solo walkers on secular journeys have shared experiences of being more open to spiritual insight. In a previous article about awe, solo walker and author Jo Frances Penn wrote about her awe/spiritual moment.
Self-care
With all the benefits listed above, solo walking is simply an act of caring for yourself. It provides a much-needed break from the demands of work, relationships, and responsibilities. It is a gift to recharge, rejuvenate, and find solace in the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other.
Convenience
You don’t need to plan a walk around anyone else’s schedule, pace or destination. Why wait? Why compromise? Just go!
Can I change my answer???
During the interview, I was asked this question, “If someone was struggling with some things, what do you think a solo walk could do for them?”
My first reaction should have been a suggestion that some struggles need a professional! A solo journey is no substitute for external help when life challenges are significant or persistent. Encouraging someone to seek the support of trusted friends, family, or professionals is crucial when needed.
And then with that caveat out of the way, I’d proceed with my answer!! Solo walking can help with mental clarity, reducing stress, improving mood, and improving problem-solving. Research suggests that walking boosts divergent thinking, enhancing the ability to generate creative ideas and find innovative solutions to challenges. Taking a solo walk might enable individuals to think more openly and imaginatively about the problems they're facing.
Found your solo walking WHY yet?
Next time you have the chance, step outside on your own and let the wonders of walking alone unfold.
