Put the spring back in your step

When life feels overwhelming, it is easy to become stuck in a cycle of stress, frustration and self-criticism. Sometimes the most effective way to regain clarity is also one of the simplest: taking a walk. Stepping away from your usual environment creates space to think, reflect and reconnect with what matters most. 

Have you lost the spring in your step? Feeling bogged down? Stressed that you haven’t made progress towards your goals for the year ahead? Worried that you should be doing better at work or at home?

Why not give yourself a break from the ‘overwhelm’ of the day, and go for a walk?

Where and when? You could walk around the block or through a park near your office, during the day, at lunchtime or after work, or a more energetic stomp in the countryside.

Why walking helps clear the mind

Why? Going for a walk is an opportunity to be more mindful of the here and now, to slow down and to breathe.  Being outside and away from the paraphernalia of your normal work or home environment broadens the horizons and gives you a different way to focus and think things through.

Using your walk as a coaching tool

How? Observe what is around you and use metaphors to bring fresh ideas to where you are and how you want to move forward. 

Questions to ask yourself while walking

• What is my destination?
• Which path should I take, and where does it lead? Where does the other path go?
• What is the worst that could happen if I take the other path?
• How many steps do I need to take?
• What needs to happen to get through the first gate?
• What bridges do I need to cross?
• How are the ups and downs affecting me?

With Spring nearly in the air, you will also benefit from a healthy dose of vitamin D and will return to your day feeling inspired, refreshed and invigorated, with a spring in your step and motivated to move forward with purpose.

Why walking coaching works

Sometimes we get stuck and need a helping hand to focus on what we really want out of our lives; a coach who will objectively listen, question, challenge, and support us as we discover and move along the path that is right for us.  Yet finding time for an energising walk and for coaching can be a struggle.

This is why coaching while walking sessions are a brilliant way to exercise your mind and body at the same time and can help you to spring forward metaphorically, mentally and physically.