Choose Your Daily Walking Destination

We’re a couple of weeks into 2016, so it’s a good time to check in on how you’re doing on the Dr. Lindeke-prescribed New Year’s Resolution to walk more. In addition to all of the great tips mentioned in that post, I have another recommendation – choose a daily destination that you commit to visiting on foot every day.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Choosing a daily destination

Perhaps you choose to visit your neighborhood park every day. Maybe a nearby coffee shop is more your thing. Or a library, a piece of public art, a specific tree. Or maybe a place of worship or a cemetery.

The idea is to choose a destination that you’ll enjoy visiting. Pick a landmark that is close enough that it’s reasonable for a daily walk in all types of weather. Like the postal service, you’ll be doing this rain, snow, or shine! Whatever you choose, walking to that landmark daily will become a habit like brushing your teeth or making your bed. Only much more enjoyable!

1a. Home and workplace destinations

It may be a good idea to choose a daily destination by your home and also at work. That will increase your chances of making it happen on a regular basis. Plus, who doesn’t want an excuse to take a walk break during their workday?

2. Document your daily destination walks

Whether it’s snapping a photo with your smartphone, jotting down a note in a journal, or sketching the scene, documenting your daily destination is a way to reinforce your new habit. Sharing your photos, notes, or sketches with others may also inspire them to walk more. It’s also fun to look back on how your chosen landmark changes over time or during different times of day.

My daily destinations

I walk to Bryant Avenue bridge on weekends and the Washington Avenue Bridge on weekdays. Both destinations allow me to go on longer walks if I have the time, or serve as a natural stopping point for a bit of reflection before returning home or to work.

Bryant Avenue Bridge

Washington Avenue Bridge

What’s your daily destination?

Let us know your daily destination in the comments either in general terms (e.g. the mail box 10 blocks away) or specifically (e.g. Gold Medal Park). Now excuse me while I bundle up to go visit the Washington Avenue Bridge and the Mississippi River.