How to design your own neighborhood walk
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taking a neighborhood walk with Grandpa on a sunny day in february. © rebecca bailey 2022
I love walking through my neighborhood and have been doing it regularly since we moved to our current home in the mid-90s. Now with the pandemic, it’s especially nice. There is something empowering about walking right out your front door for a little trek.
When I walk, I choose from three different routes that I have created and modified over the years. Each is unique. One is more park with a beautiful urban forest, another more residential with hills and water views, and the third a destination walk to the downtown area for lunch, coffee, or a few groceries. You too, can create your own neighborhood walk. I’ll tell you how below in eight steps. But first, here are many of the benefits you’ll experience while walking.
Science will tell you that regular walking lowers your blood pressure, gets you better sleep, and helps manage stress. However, your own experience will tell you much more. You’ll discover that it is an easy way to stay active. The fresh air, movement, and natural light are instant mood boosters. Specifically, movement is a good way to process and transform old stuck thoughts. You’ll experience many aha moments and new insights, making walks your own go-to therapy.
There’s more. Through my walks I’ve discovered a strong feeling of connection, of being a part of something bigger. I notice more things. Things that spark joy. Flowers on a porch. A tabby cat in the same window. The elderly man taking his morning walk with his walker. The sentinel-like Douglas firs lining the park path. Friendly waves from others. A winter wren calling. The familiarity of these things gives me a sense of place and connection that is truly comforting.
The designing part is a fantastic way to get out of your comfort zone in a fun way. As you wander the streets, you’ll get carried away in a current of creative expression, which, in my book, is always a worth-while goal. And if you read my previous post, it ties right in with the theme of getting some fresh air this season. Over time, you will come to love the way your walks make you feel—energetic, accomplished, and connected.
You can always free-walk around your neighborhood, if that’s your preference. Eventually you’ll settle into a route. Adding the guidance below will help you create a beautiful, custom walk that will keep you walking out your front door again, and again.
Set an intention before you create your walk. This is a powerful way to get what you want. Here is one I use. I will design this walk with a sense of adventure, curiosity, and gratitude. And, I will make it fun.
Use a GPS to design and track your route. Most smart phones and watches have this capability. If not, a map or good note taking will work. Begin by walking around your neighborhood noting street names and unique features.
Measure and time your walk. To start, create a 1.5-mile walking route. It’s a good starting distance for a 30 to 40-minute walk. Note that you will most likely do some backtracking as you create it, so give yourself an hour or more the first time out. Once you’ve established your base route, you can tweak and add more later.
Try for a loop walk. You’ll get more variation. Or add a loop segment. One of my walks loops through a park as one segment of the overall walk.
Make your walk interesting. You can incorporate, views, beaches, gorgeous ravines, local parks, community gardens, stair climbs, scenic paths, lake shores, ponds, bridges, and beautiful homes into your walk. Really, anything goes.
Add some health benefits by pacing your walk. According to health experts any kind of walking gives us immune boosting goodness. However, an optimal pace for heart-health is walking one mile in 20 minutes. This allows you to cover 1.5 miles in 30 minutes, which is an optimal amount of time to work into busy schedules.
Practice physical gratitude. Be aware of your movement. As your steps carry you forward, notice your leg muscles and your arms swinging in synch to your steps. Set your pace, and thank your body for giving you the physical stamina to do this walk.
Lastly, share your walk. I love solo walks, especially when I need a mental break. However, walking with friends. partners, or kids adds a wonderful element of fun and connection. You can even make it a walking group like I describe below.
Before the pandemic my daughter and I designed and led free urban nature walks around the Seattle area for about five years. We discovered so many cool things about Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods. Our 25 walks blended urban nature into each route. These walks were open to all, which grew into a spirited group of regular walkers.
I hope that you, too, can discover the uniqueness of your own neighborhood and connect with it on a new level. Walking is one the best way to do that.
