We call a neighbor of ours “Mr. Rain or Shine”. We first noticed him walking when we moved in about two years ago. And if it weren’t for the fact that he wears the same workout uniform every day, we never would have known he was the same man today. What started as a perfectly respectable amble for a retired gentleman, has now turned into a full blown sprint, and you will find him out there every morning, and every afternoon, doing his routine, rain or shine. Watching his transformation, and more importantly his dedication, has inspired me to follow suit. For the next 365 days, I’m committing to a daily 3-mile power walk, sunny skies, or whipping wind. Here are 5 uber-compelling reasons to join me (and I know you haven’t heard them all before):

5. Walking Curbs Cravings. Countless scientific studies have confirmed that a 15-minute walk can curb cravings for sweets and even reduce or eliminate the amount of treats you eat in stressful situations. As a habitual sugar sneaker when I’m feeling particularly anxious, this was music to my ears.

4. A 30-Minute Walk Boosts Immunity! As we head into sick season, here’s another way to keep yourself in peak state. Studies show a 30 minute walk each day can protect you from getting a cold or flu by stimulating cellular immunity, and increasing circulation of immune cells in your body. Couple this with all of the other heart and body-boosting research and we’re on the path to become centenarians!

3. Learn Something New Every Day. This has been my favorite by-product of daily dog walks, and a big motivator for me to keep the challenge going. Whether it’s a podcast by one of my favorite neuroscientists (Dr. Huberman mega-fan, here!), a Spanish refresher, or a business boost – I live for firing and wiring new neurons to keep my growth mindset on the uptick. Professor Shane O’Mara says, “Our bodies and brains are designed for lots of regular movement throughout the day. Walking is an easy solution our brains adore and benefit from. Regular, reliable, rhythmic, up-tempo walking throughout the day stimulates the production of molecules promoting brain health.”

2. Creativity Catapult! Feeling stagnant at the office? Stanford University researchers discovered that you brainstorm twice as many ideas during a 15 to 20-minute walk than you would sitting at your desk. 🤯

1. Build Confidence. As I reflect on this past year, one of the biggest lessons I’ve put into practice is to make yourself (at least) one promise each day, and keep it. Ed Mylett says that when you make a promise to yourself and do as you said you would, you are building true self-confidence. Not the kind of confidence where you walk into a room and own it (though maybe that, too), but the kind of confidence where you can trust and believe in yourself, no matter what. That is something I have been working on hard in 2022. Tell yourself you’re going to move your body, rain or shine, follow through, and watch your world start to sparkle.

But it doesn’t have to be three. That might be too easy for you! You may want to up the ante to five. I will be cheering you on every step of the way. 5 miles or 500 steps, doesn’t really matter. They are equally outstanding. The point is, we are making a promise, and we’re keeping it. I chose 3/365 because I had been walking with regularity, but skipped the windy days, or the days that felt too packed, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could be Miss Rain or Shine, too. I will be sharing our daily jaunts on our social channels, along with a nugget of wisdom from the podcast I listen to while we’re moving. Walking is so much better with friends, and I can’t wait to walk with you!