Walking isn't just for weight loss
Sure, walking helps you lose weight, it's good for your heart, and
it keeps you young and fit. But there are other benefits too -
Discover how walking can keep you mentally fit, too.
Writers--Put on your walking shoes
by Rachel J. Johnson
author of Wake up Running!
During my walk this morning, I discovered a simple yet profound truth.
When I walk, I write. In other words, when I spend time on my feet moving
for the sake of moving, I end up at the computer brimming with words
to write. There's a connection. When I'm physically active, my mind
is active too. In fact, sometimes I can't seem to shut it down. I'm
a perfect example to prove this concept true. Last year, I trained for
and walked a half marathon and had something published every month from
May to December. This year, I trained for and walked a marathon, and
I've been writing every single day for the first time in my life. Not
only am I currently working on a nonfiction book related to my marathon
training: I am also continuing to write articles, stories, and poems
as well. I'm still walking, and it's still paying off in writing.
What exactly, you may wonder, does walking do for my writing? Let me
count the ways.
Ideas. I've gotten my best ideas for stories, titles, and articles
when walking. This article, for example, is a direct result of this
morning's walk. Earlier this year during a ten-mile walk, I thought
of a great title for the current book I'm working on. It never ceases
to amaze me how well the idea god blesses me when I stroll down the
road. Either that, or I make a better target out in the open.
Blast through writer's block. Walking also helps end writer's block.
Have writer's block right now? Try it. Go for an hour walk. Give your
body some action and let your mind wander. You'll be pleasantly surprised
at how refreshed you feel, at how eager you are to start writing again.
You'll think, "writer's block? What's that?"
Find answers to those questions nagging you. Questions, problems, challenges,
worries about life and writing take energy and time away from our writing.
So many times, I've discovered solutions while out treading down the
trail. Once you discover possible answers for your concerns, you'll
be more able to concentrate on your writing.
Time alone. Let's face it. In our fast-paced society, many of us lack
solitude, that time alone to be in the moment, look inside ourselves,
reflect on the past, smile about the present, and dream of the future.
We need these solitary moments to figure out who we were, who we are,
and who we want to be. Who are we, anyway, without this precious time
to be with ourselves?
Nurture your muse. She loves time to meditate and reflect. Like a small
child, your muse craves attention and time. When you nourish her with
a hike in the woods, you will then be generously rewarded.
An increase in energy level, an elevated mood, and a sharpened mind
are all yours simply by taking the time to exercise. Walking gets our
blood pumping, our oxygen flowing, which then activates our mind.
Writing, in general, is a sedentary job. We sit many hours a day as
we write, revise, edit, research, and pore over books. Balancing writing
with walking is a win-win situation. Are you convinced yet? I challenge
you to try it for a month. See if your creative juices don't flow more
when you walk. And, don't forget to buy good walking shoes.
About the Author:
Rachel J. Johnson writes poetry, children's stories and
narratives. She also teaches English as a second language, tutors online
and homeschools her two daughters. She loves to read, explore nature and
train for marathons. Rachel lives with her husband and children in Kansas
City, Missouri. Visit her at http://www.wakeuprunning.com
Rachel is the author of "Wake
up Running!" - a must read for women with real struggles.
