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Walk Your Way Well with Niamh O'Sheehan

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walk your way RGBHow is your New Year's Resolution going? As a coach this is a VERY busy time of the year for me.

I love working with SMART goals to help people stick to their "new me" in the New Year. What's so SMART about that you say? Read on.
Walking is one of the simplest, most accessible forms of exercise, offering numerous physical and mental health benefits. Whether you're looking to increase your daily steps, enjoy the outdoors, or improve overall wellness, setting SMART goals can be a game-changer. Let's explore how to set SMART goals specifically for walking more, and how embracing nature can enhance this journey.
SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This goal-setting framework helps create clear, structured, and attainable objectives. Here's how you can apply the SMART approach to walking more:
1. Specific: Define clear, concise goals. Instead of saying, "I want to walk more," specify, "I will walk 5,000 steps daily."
2. Measurable: Ensure your goal can be quantified. Use a pedometer, fitness tracker, or a smartphone app to track your steps and progress.
3. Achievable: Set realistic goals based on your current fitness level. If you currently walk 5,000 steps daily, aim for 8,000 steps and gradually increase. Don't go overboard!
4. Relevant: Align your walking goals with your broader health or lifestyle objectives, such as improving cardiovascular health, reducing stress, or spending more time outdoors. Make it about what YOU want.
5. Time-bound: Establish a timeline for your goals. For example, "I will reach 10,000 steps daily within three months.
Walking in nature offers a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. It provides an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world, breathe in fresh air, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of natural surroundings. We have touched on this before, but let's remind ourselves why a SMART goal to walk more is really smart:
Boost Mental Well-being: Studies show that walking in green spaces reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. The sights and sounds of nature have a calming effect on the mind. Believe me, I experience this daily.
Increase Motivation: A scenic trail or park can make your walking routine more enjoyable, encouraging you to walk longer and more frequently. So be adventurous.
Enhance Physical Health: Walking on varied terrains, such as trails or hills, can improve balance, coordination, and overall fitness. It's like a free gym workout.
So, let's do this! Let's get serious about walking as a fitness regime and as our therapy. I'm here if you need guidance or coaching. I can start you on the right step. Let's transform walking from the mundane to the wondrous. Feel free to reach out to me via WhatsApp at +34 676 507 791.