As you read and saw earlier in this course walking bring many health benefit such as improving fitness, mental health & social connections.  It can be difficult to motivate yourself to get out regularly, particularly if the weather isn't good.  Here are some tips to get you moving and then make a habit of walking for the rest of your life.

  • Pick the same time each day.  Getting into a habit where you go for a walk at the same time builds a health routine.  You may decide that you will go for a 20 minute walk half an hour before your favourite TV program starts.  This gives you something to look forward to when you get back and you will still have time to make a cup of tea before you get started.
  • You don't have to walk for hours and hours.  Tell yourself you are just going out for a 5 minute walk and see how you get on.  Before you know you will find you are enjoying it so much that you stay out for longer.
  • Get up off the chair / sofa.  What works as trigger for you to get out walking.  One walker told us that when he puts on his walking shoes he knows that he is now committed to going for a walk.  His way take the first step which is putting on the shoes he walks in and then it triggers him to think "I might as well go for a walk now since I have my walking shoes on!"
  • Set yourself a walking goal.  This could be: The number of times per week that you get out for a walk: The amount of time you walk: or the distance that you walk.
  • Can you replace some of the travel you do with a walk?  If you get the bus to and from town can you walk there and get the bus back?
  • Find a walking buddy.  Persuade a friend, family member of neighbour to come for a walk with you.  You can encourage each other to go walking een if one of you doesn't fell like it today.