Walking is one of the first steps for many people in their weight loss journey, but between hectic schedules and this Texas heat, setting aside time to get up and moving can be hard. But if you work it right, this could be the most productive activity of your day. Give these tips a try and see if you can get more done while you get those steps for the day.

Be The Early Bird

A morning walk is great for a few reasons. First of all, it’s a great way to beat the heat. That should be motivation enough. But if you need more, then consider this the perfect time to recite and reflect on personal affirmations — literally starting the day walking in your purpose. This can help to start your day on a positive note and help you feel ready to take on the busy day ahead.

Learn The Lingo

One of the best things you can do with a walk is learn a new language. It works your brain, expands your communication skills, and in some cases can land you a bi-lingual bonus at work. This is seriously a no-lose option. With Duolingo, learning a new language has never been easier. It’s free, fun and proven to work. And with more than 35 languages available, it’s easy to find a useful option.

Listen to The Pod!

If you’ve got ample time to get that walk in, make it fun by checking out a podcast! There’s almost certainly a podcast about something that you’re interested in. From sports to politics to comedy and everything in between, podcasts have been on the rise in a major way, ranging in time and topic, so there’s something for everyone. A personal favorite for me is The Gaming Illuminaughty Podcast (GI). Led by The Black Hokage and cohorts JG The Don and Ethos discussing the ongoings of the gaming industry, in game launches like Drift Hunters, and community, the maturity and insight [usually] on display among the Gaming Illuminaughty is always entertaining. I’m not much of a gamer these days, but I’ve been a fan of The Black Hokage for nearly a decade, going back to his days under the Modern War Negro moniker, so hearing the growth is like catching up with an old friend. 

Walk It While You Talk It

With tons of people working from home now, walking meetings double your productivity. Maybe not a Zoom meeting, but if you can handle a phone call while you walk this is a no-brainer for getting active. And it may do them a favor as well; the change in scenery and endorphins released during a walk can make you more agreeable, creative and engaged.

Mind in Motion

Walking is great for getting the blood flowing — obviously — but it’s also a great chance to get the creative juices flowing too. Not those creative juices; get your mind out of the gutter! Research indicates that people are more creative when they walk compared to when they sit. You’re literally not your best self sitting around all day. If you’re working through a mental roadblock, try searching for solutions outside of your room. Fresh air and a change in perspective can help you find what you’re looking for.

The Buddy System

Walking can be fun, but anything is better when a buddy gets involved. If you’ve got kids, taking a walk can be a great way to get some quality time in and possibly make some meaningful memories. Depending on their age, this can be a great time to listen to their ramblings, learn about their friends and interests, or discuss goals and anything that may be on their mind. If you need a great date idea, consider killing two birds with one stone by planning a walking date with your significant other. Walking along the trails could be a great way to get to know each other, uninterrupted. There may even be some great photo opportunities along the way.

Get Social

Many people are glued to their phone nearly 24 hours a day, killing their productivity. There’s nothing wrong with a little escapism every once in a while, but you may find a major benefit in saving the social media for your walking time. It can be difficult to walk for an extended amount of time when your mind doesn’t have focus, so taking that time to check in on your newsfeed may help you add another mile to your exercise time. Not to mention how much more productive you’ll be in the rest of the day not worrying about memes and mentions.

Reconnect With Who Matters

If you don’t want to talk business while you’re on the move, consider giving a friend or family member a call instead. If you don’t live nearby, this could be a great way to reconnect and catch up. If you make this a daily habit, consider making a list of loved ones that you’d want to reach out to — and maybe encourage them to walk as well. Not everyone will answer, and that’s ok. That’s why you have a list. If you go this route, keep track of who’s available and who enjoys the talks. That way, you can build bonds and not bother those who aren’t available.

A Little Me Time

While plenty of these tips have been about maximizing your time and productivity, one of the best things you can do while you walk is just take time for yourself. Self-care is a critical part of a healthy life, and taking time to decompress can create benefits beyond your exercise time. Depending on when you take your walks, you may be helping your mind and body battle the midday slump. You can improve your health and lay the foundation for healthy habits with just a 10-minute walk.