In 2020, covid hit all of us and it changed the way we live, including the way we worked. When I started to work from home, I realized my movement was now limited from the bedroom to my dining room, my office had literally become my bedroom. I saw myself putting on a few pounds and feeling unhappier. I struggled to step out of my house unless I had to go somewhere. It was at this moment I decided that I decided I had to make some change. Below you will find tips on how a 30 Day walking challenge changed my life.
Commitment and small steps are needed to form a habit
I had tried to work out at home before, but it was always sporadic and I never stuck with it for more than a couple of days. I realized that if I wanted to see real change, I needed to be committed and consistent. That’s why I decided to join a 30-day walking challenge. It seemed like a manageable goal that I could slowly build up to.
Steps I followed to stay committed
I knew that if I was going to complete this challenge, I needed to have a plan and stick to it daily for some time. Here are the steps I took to make sure I stayed on track:
Set a goal
The one piece of advice I was given before setting goals for myself was to make them smart. For me, I set a goal of walking 30 Days straight even if it meant just going around the block once. Over my years of forming habits and getting tasks done, I have realized that if I try to do the perfect amount each day I will end up giving up, therefore when starting off I can’t be so hard on myself.
Build up slowly
When I initially started off the 30 Day walking challenge I started off by only walking for 10 minutes a day. It was a slow start, but it was important for me to ease into it so that I wouldn’t get burned out. After a week or so, I gradually increased the amount of time I walked until I was up to 30 minutes a day.
Don’t punish yourself for not achieving your goal perfectly
There will be days when you miss your goal, and that’s okay. Don’t punish yourself or get down on yourself, just try again the next day. The important thing is to not give up completely or do the least you can to keep up with the habit, even if that means just walking around the block once.
Track your progress
Download a step tracker on your phone, additional options include buying a smartwatch that will help you track each step. This is extremely motivating because each time you see your number going up you know you are making progress,
Get a friend or family member involved
It can be helpful to have someone else do the challenge with you. This way, you can motivate and encourage each other to keep going.
Set a reward for yourself
When you finish a week of consistent walking, reward yourself by doing something that makes you happy. Whether that’s taking a relaxing bath, spending time with friends and family, or indulging in your favorite hobby, make sure to take some time for yourself and enjoy it! At the end of the 30-Day walking Challenge, I was so proud of myself that I rewarded myself with a new pair of shoes.
Try to walk at the same time every day
I found that it was helpful for me to try and walk at the same time each day. This made it easier to form the habit as it became part of my daily routine.
How the challenge changed my life
After completing the challenge, I can say that it definitely changed my life for the better. Here are some of the ways it changed me:
I was more positive and happier.
I had been struggling with negativity for a long time, and this challenge really helped me change my mindset. Walking outside and getting fresh air each day did wonders for my mental health. I found that I was more positive and happier overall. Research suggests that walking releases a chemical called endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
I had more energy.
Before starting this challenge I used to always feel tired and sluggish. I would find myself lying in bed for long hours frustrated. When I got into the habit of walking I found my energy increased and I no longer felt tired.
This allowed me to be more productive and get things done. I was also able to think more clearly and make better decisions.
I slept better at night.
Another benefit I found was that I started sleeping much better at night. Walking tires your body out and helps to improve the quality of your sleep. This was extremely beneficial for me as I had been struggling with insomnia for a long time.
I lost weight and got in shape.
Of course, one of the main reasons people start working out is to lose weight and get in shape. I was happy to find that this challenge helped me to do both of those things. I noticed that my clothes started fitting better and I had more energy to do things.
Felt more connected to nature.
Walking outside each day made me feel more connected to nature. I started to notice the small things like the way the leaves rustled in the wind or the sound of the birds singing. This was a really nice change for me as I had been feeling disconnected from the world for a long time.
The challenge also made me more mindful and present. I found that I was no longer dwelling on the past or worrying about the future as much. I was able to be more at the moment and appreciate the present.
My family and friends told me they saw a big difference in my overall mood
What I was most surprised about were the compliments I got from my family. Everyone said they saw me smile more and that I just seemed happier in general. I got comments like you seem more confident and more optimistic about life
I attribute a lot of this to the fact that walking is a very meditative and calming activity. It allowed me to clear my head and just be in the moment.
Completing the challenge made me feel accomplished
One of the best things about finishing the challenge was the sense of accomplishment I felt. I had stuck to something for 30 days and made a big change in my life. This made me feel more confident and motivated to keep going.
I would recommend this challenge to anyone looking for a way to improve their health and well-being. It changed my life in so many positive ways, and I am sure it can do the same for you. Just remember to take it one day at a time and be patient. The results will come if you stick with them!
If you are thinking about starting this challenge, I encourage you to do it! It has made such a positive difference in my life, and I am sure it can do the same for you. Just remember to take it one day at a time and be patient. The results will come if you stick with them! Good luck!
