May is National Walking Month, which encourages us to leave the car at home and find ways to incorporate more walking into our days.
Walking a little each day can offer a great benefit to our overall health and wellbeing, including our heart.
It is a low-impact form of exercise so most people can give it a go. Right now is also the perfect time of year to get outside as the evenings lighten and temperatures start to warm up.
Here are some ideas to help you clock up more steps this May and beyond.
Set a goal
Setting a goal and planning can really help you make walking a daily habit. A good example would be aiming to walk for 20 minutes a day, five days a week. Plan your week every Sunday evening and schedule in your walking times to make sure they happen.
Walk with a friend
Finding a walking partner can really help you stay motivated and committed to your scheduled walks. Another benefit of walking with a friend is you are more likely to try harder, so if you are heading out on a longer walk, walking with someone else will push you to try as hard as you can. It is also a great opportunity for catching up and checking in with a friend.
Make it fun
Get children nvolved by going on a scavenger hunt or wildlife spotting walk.
You could simply head out with the family and look out for certain colour cars, anything to add an element of fun.
For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips
