So many of us embraced walking more as a way to cope with the stress of the last two years, working from home, and less social interaction. Has walking become an integral part of your daily routine? Are you wondering how you might continue your efforts as the winter arrives? Here are my top 10 tips on how to maintain your successful walking habit through the winter.
How to maintain your successful walking habit through the winter
Whether you began walking for physical fitness or mental health, you undoubtedly are doing your body good. Figuring out how to keep up outdoor activities as the weather changes take some planning. Here are my top 10 tips on how to prepare for winter walking and how to motivate yourself to get out there when it’s cold.
Make walking a reward
Schedule your walk as a break in your day. Your “me time” to destress first thing in the morning, at lunch, or as a mid-afternoon break from your routine.
Phone a friend
While socializing is complicated these days, setting up a phone date is something to look forward to. Having someone to chat with while walking helps the miles fly by.
Listen carefully
Download a book from Audible or an episode of your favorite podcast to listen to while you stride happily down the street. (Currently listening to Malibu Rising.)
Challenge yourself
Need a challenge? Sign up for a RunBet game or a virtual challenge. Revel in your accomplishments and collect some bling.
Cut yourself some slack
A short walk or a long walk. It doesn’t matter just get out there and the rest will fall into place.
Snap Some Pics
Snap some pics
Bring along your phone or camera to capture some of the beauty of winter. Whether you see holiday lights, fresh snow, animal tracks, or icicles, winter can be beautiful to photograph.
Hydrate
Bring along a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Currently love this hot cinnamon tea.
Protect your skin
Sunscreen and lip protection with SPF is a must for winter.
Tread lightly
Depending on the weather, a good pair of trail shoes with more traction may be in order. Yaktrax are always great to have for walking and running through winter.
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winter hats and headbands guaranteed to keep you warm
Gear up
Cover your head, hands, and ears to keep the warmth in. Have a few pairs of go-to wool socks that are comfortable to walk in. A few packs of hand warmers are always a plus.
Don’t let winter weather throw you off of your game. Keep up your successful walking habits all year round. Tell me, did you start walking more this year? Will you keep it up through the winter?
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Yes to this, Deborah! I’m a BIG fan of walking. I always get in 10’000 steps every day, including non-running days. I enjoy the slower pace and that it’s easier to have a conversation.
We will meet up with another couple on Friday for a walk-talk. They’re not runners so it’s a good way to do something outdoors while socialising in a safe way.
Oh, and I’m loving the RunBet thing!
yes it is a great way to connect with others either in person or virtually. I am so glad you love the runbet it’s great motivation for me as well
I definitely think Im gonna need to keep up with walking through the winter as a way to get out of the house during the day. Its all about having the right clothes and just getting out there!
Yes exactly I need the fresh air even if it is a little cold
On my early morning runs, I see more people walking than I ever have! It’s all good. I hope it continues into the winter.
Yes so do I and I love it that more people are getting out to exercise
I spent a lot of time walking this year and it was so nice to slow down and soak it all in!
You know, I bet it was!
I’ve become a big fan of walking esp on trails.
I need to keep it up esp since I am stuck at home.
Thanks for the tips. Now let’s hope it’s not a snowy icy winter.
Yes I have enjoyed seeing all of your beautiful trail photos. I hope you can keep it up this winter
As you know, I have always been an avid walker, even before it was forced on me a few years ago. Even though I’m not a fan of the cold, I do enjoy a brisk walk on a crisp day. It’s my “coffee” 😉
It sure can wake you up!
A good thing about having a dog is they need walks regardless of weather (which can also be a bad thing some of those freezing days ha!)
I love finding a spot on my run with some trees so that as seasons change, I can snap pictures and compare them
Yes exactly! I’ve come to notice more of nature and how things change out on my walks.
Yes, I walk my dog every night for 45 minutes to 1 hour and without my eReader I’d be lost, I love it and it’s such a relaxing moment for me but before I have to go out I struggle to leave the couch. I usually try to remind myself how well I sleep afterwards and how good it feels to move 🙂
yes exactly! It’s great to have a routine that works
Great tips. I walk every day, running or not, but it’s a lot easier for me to get through the winter because we don’t get the harsh weather.
In fact, it’s almost easier for me in winter, because I have can go out at different time of day rather than just first thing.
yes that is definitely a bonus!
I’ve always taken my dog for daily walks, but during the pandemic I’ve definitely gotten even more steps in! All summer long, I’d take my dog and daughter for a walk in the morning, and then after dinner, my husband would join us for an evening stroll since he’s been working from home (I hate how dark it gets so early now!). I definitely like getting outdoors for walks even in the winter, though I find it much more enjoyable in the warmer months.
I do too! Hope you all get out for lots of walks this winter
These are really great tips, especially about the gear. Once I purchased the correct gear for cold weather exercise, it made a world of difference!
It really does!
I love walking! It’s something I enjoy doing so much. It’s so relaxing!
I think so too!
I only walked as a means to rehab from my running injury, but really enjoyed it. I find that I have to dress a lot more warmly for walking than running… my body just doesn’t generate the same amount of heat.
Yes I agree. I don’t get as warm walking as I do running. I have come to really enjoy my almost daily walks
These are some great tips! Walking is such an underrated way of staying healthy. Love this idea.
I totally agree
These tips are really golden. Thanks for sharing them. I struggle to maintain my daily walking habit during the winter. Inviting a friend to join me is really a great idea.
Yes it is a nice way to catch up for sure
So important to have the right gear to stay warm and comfortable while out in the cooler weather!
Definitely the right gear can make all the difference
Speaking of what we can learn from pets, having a dog is a great way to push you out even when you really don’t want to get out there!
I do love my soul strolls, too. It’s a walk with set to encouragement, using affirmations & mantras. I never tire of those, although I really feel the mom guilt when I go out solo (but sometimes I have to).
Great tips, Deborah!
that’s true pets are a great companion for getting outdoors during the winter months
I love walking in the winter. I think it’s the solitude that I enjoy the most. Great tips here!
I feel the same!
I love listening to podcasts during my walks, true crime ones are usually my guilty pleasure… I will probably be bundling up both me and the kiddo to go for a walk this winter.
That’s a great idea! I have come to love my audio books as well
My goal is to get to 10k steps a day!! I’ve been failing lately, but this is great ways to help!
I know you can do it!
It doesn’t get that cold here but for me the right clothing is essential for winter walking. Layers work best and I need gloves for my cold hands!
Yes layers are always great
Hot tea or coffee sounds wonderful on a cold winter walk! It gets very cold in winter, but two dogs make it so there are no excuses not to get out!
Yes I bet your dogs won’t let you skip a walk outside
Walking is underrated! Thank you for this reminder, Deborah.
It’s so beneficial to take a break and to get out for a simple walk. We work from home and always make a point of going out for a walk before we start sitting at a desk. It makes such a difference!
It really can!
I’ve always been a walker. I never really liked biking, even as a kid, so I walked everywhere.
I also pace around the house while I’m on the phone, while my tea is steeping — you’d be surprised how many steps you can get that way & my house isn’t even all that large!
I bet you can rack up a ton of steps just by doing little bursts of movement
I definitely embrace walking, year-round! I’m glad to have more co-workers back in the office now (many were still working from home this time last year), so we take quick 1-milers on our breaks. Who needs coffee? (LOL)
yes, I know you love your walks as well! They are great ways to break up the day
I’ve been walking so much less now that Im back in the office. Occasionally I will go for a quick walk with coworkers. Its a great way to get some fresh air and movement during the day!
It is a nice way to get a little bread in the middle of the day
I only walked as a means to rehab from my running injury, but really enjoyed it. I find that I have to dress a lot more warmly for walking than running… my body just doesn’t generate the same amount of heat.
yes, I definitely have to dress way warmer to go on walks
I love walking the neighborhood my dog and listening to a podcast.
It is a nice break from the day
Love it!
Fortunately, it’s not too hard to keep walking during our winters. I’m grateful for that.
Yes, it is a lot easier in warmer climates
I like that you also mention those key tips we tend to forget in winter – hydrating and sunscreen!
I now wear sunscreen all year round and really wish I had taken it more seriously years ago
These are great tips. While I don’t have issues with the weather, cutting myself some slack through the holidays (and my busiest time of work days) has really helped. Just getting out there is good even if it’s not the longer run (or walk) that I’d like.
Cutting ourselves some slack during stressful busy times is always a good thing!
The dogs make sure that walking stays a habit no matter the weather!