Busting the 10,000 Steps Myth: Surprising Truths About Walking and Wellness
Taking Steps Toward Self-Care
In my enlightening conversation with Carolyn Cohen, it became apparent that walking, often overshadowed by high-impact exercise trends, is not just a means of movement, but a metaphor for progression and balance in life and work.
In my quest as a female entrepreneur to find balance and healthy routines that fit within a busy schedule, the simple act of walking reveals itself as a hidden gem for both physical and mental well-being. In my enlightening conversation with Carolyn Cohen, it became apparent that walking, often overshadowed by high-impact exercise trends, is not just a means of movement, but a metaphor for progression and balance in life and work.
Discussing the underrated power of walking, we explored the societal pressures that compel us to escalate our efforts to seemingly unattainable levels, leading to unsustainable practices. Yet, walking invites us to embrace a sustainable approach, acknowledging every step as significant. Rather than succumbing to the pervasive all-or-nothing mentality, walking as a practice champions the philosophy of gradual, steady progress that aligns with what I refer to as the “middle-way approach” to wellness, crucial for us as female entrepreneurs seeking growth without burnout.
Walking, it turns out, is an act deeply entwined with our very evolution and history, reflective of our ancestors' nomadic journeys, and unpretentious in its accessibility and benefits. It offers physiological advantages, including improved cardiovascular health and reduced mortality risk, without requiring the intense exertion that society often associates with 'effective' exercise.
The discussion with Carolyn unveiled walking's remarkable versatility and adaptability, allowing us to integrate movement into our lives in a non-disruptive, even enjoyable, manner—whether through structured walks, integrating movement into daily routines, or taking nature strolls that provide a mental health boon. Carolyn's perspective on walking challenged the rigid fitness narratives present in media and business, reinforcing the importance of self-care and consistent, modest efforts in achieving entrepreneurial success.
The benefits of walking extend to mental health, serving as a therapy and a tool for mindfulness, combatting stress and anxiety, and fostering creativity and focus—traits that are particularly beneficial for those with ADHD. Furthermore, the power of walking together can forge and strengthen social bonds, serving not only our physical health but also nurturing our human need for connection, so vital in the sometimes solitary journey of entrepreneurship when we get out of the house or office and walk where we can encounter others. It doesn’t have to be a conversation to be beneficial, a nod and a smile from a stranger can shift our mood just as well.
This physical metaphor for moving forward, both literally and figuratively, is beautifully captured in Carolyn Cohen's 'Wellness While Walking' podcast, an invitation to female entrepreneurs to walk their way to health and holistic success. By embracing walking, we make a conscious decision to turn away from the pressures of toxic productivity and instead, engage in a self-care practice that's as natural as it is nurturing, offering clarity and comfort as we navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, you can do that here.