Walking Strategies for the Holidays
This Thursday is Thanksgiving in the U.S. and the start of the holiday season that runs through New Year's. The weather is getting colder and the days shorter, so it takes some effort to keep our healthy walking routines going. The moment the weather changed and the rains came, I looked back at earlier posts to find a few strategies that help me get out the door.
Stay motivated: Find a way to re-kindle your motivation to get out and walk. Think about how good it feels while you are out and after you finish. In fact, research shows that even moderate exercise can produce good-feeling brain chemicals that can last up to 12 hours afterwards! Also daily exercise can help mitigate the impact of over consumption during the holidays.
Finally, a great motivator is to remember the wonderful photos you capture when walking. And a bonus-your photos can make great holiday gifts! You can make your photos into cards, throw pillows, or print on wood. The photos below are from my FineArtAmerica site.
Get social: Gather your family and friends for a walk. Walking, taking photos, and then sharing them over coffee afterwards, is a great way to get out the door. Even if your friends and family don’t take photos, you can surprise them with what you have discovered along the way. I always bring my camera when I am walking with my friends and they love it when I send them the photos of our experience together.
Be prepared: The reality is that winter brings rain, sleet, snow and colder temperatures, so you need to be prepared. Layers of clothing are always best. Snow and ice shouldn’t keep you from walking if you have good boots. This short video reminds you to walk like a penguin to stay upright while out Camera Walking.
Be flexible: Walking during your lunch hour or at the end of the day when it might be warmer is a good option. When it is really too cold and miserable to go outside for a walk, get creative. Drive to an indoor mall and walk with your camera. What might seem to be a boring walk becomes an exercise in creativity. You might be surprised with what photos you can find in shop windows, and most importantly, you get a good walk!
The benefits of walking are many so I hope that you will be inspired to keep moving, taking photos, and enjoy the good feelings that result. I love to hear from you, so comment below, post on Camera Walking's Facebook page, or send an email.
