Finding Time to Walk When Life Won’t Sit Still with Niamh O’Sheehan

Let’s face it: you want to go for a walk. You really do. You imagine yourself striding purposefully through peaceful green paths, breathing in fresh air, smiling at a bird or two. But somehow, between work, social commitments, WhatsApp groups, laundry piles, and feeding the people (again!), a simple stroll feels like a luxury reserved for someone else’s life.
So how do we sneak more nature into our busy routines without having to fake our own disappearance?
1. Turn “I don’t have time” into “Let me find it” – You probably wouldn’t ghost a meeting with your boss or best-friend. So why ghost yourself? Walking isn’t just good for your body, it’s like hitting “refresh” on your brain. You don’t need a whole afternoon – just 30 minutes can make a difference. It’s about shifting your mindset: walking isn’t time away from life, it’s time for you.
2. Make it part of something else – Struggling to fit it in? Double up. Walk the kids to school instead of driving. Take work calls on foot. Suggest walking meetings instead of sitting in a stuffy room or, worse, another Zoom. Walk the dog – borrow one if needed. Walk to the shops, walk to the hairdresser. There’s a reason we have legs!
3. Sneak it in like a rebel – Treat walking like a mini act of rebellion. Sneak out for 15 minutes before dinner. Step outside while everyone else is glued to Netflix. Even a wander round the block counts. It doesn’t have to be long or dramatic. Sometimes just putting your shoes on is the hardest part – after that, momentum does the rest.
4. Schedule it like it matters – because it does – Stick it in your calendar and protect it like it’s sacred. “Me time – 16:00” is just as valid as “Doctors appointment – 15:30.” The world won’t fall apart if you take a quick break to stretch your legs and your perspective.
5. Remember your why – Walking is more than just exercise. It’s peace. It’s perspective. It’s space to breathe when everything else feels too loud. And the best part? It’s free, doesn’t require Lycra, and you can do it while multi-tasking.
So go on – step outside. Even if it’s just around the corner. The laundry will still be there when you get back (unfortunately). But your mindset? That might be completely different.
If you want to walk with me, or in a group, you can follow me on Walk Your Way Well on Facebook and Instagram. WhatsApp +34 676 507 791.