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More Daylight And The Improving Weather

I do feel my life is already very active. I work five days a week, in a full-time job and cycle a 52 km daily commute, to enjoy the pleasures of my regular job.

So, on reflection, some people might say, that I am very active already and why the need for yet more exercise?

Well, when you have a unique character like mine, I find it very tough to function without having my daily dose of fresh air. I also have trouble sitting still for long periods of time, so being active has always been my way to relax.

If that makes any sense.

As a result, some people might find this difficult to comprehend, but it is what makes me, me, and over the years I have met many others like me, so I never really see myself as being different or out there on my own.

Walking After Work

…and why you should go for walks after work, seems another great way to fill another void and it provides the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and a chance to something as a family, individually or as a group.

I live in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in the suburbs of a big and exciting city. From where I live, I can easily get out into the countryside, pretty quickly by bike or on foot. I am also fortunate to have a wonderful web of interesting streets, buildings and city landscape to explore and it is all situated right on my doorstep. With that said, I am always reflecting on life and continually looking for ways to make the most of what we have. Nevertheless, it has made me look at the world a little bit differently.

To help maintain a healthy level of activity and the chance to further de-stress after a busy day at work, I feel it is necessary to further develop your purpose, by enjoying those precious moments after work, with a brisk and motivating walk in the outdoors.

My Routes

I have a few routes already established, but I will further develop more over time. Some of them are relatively short 5 km walks, and some are a little longer. Generally, if the weather is good and if time allows, it is always pretty beneficial to maximise your time and stay out for a little longer.

I am lucky enough to live close to an urban park, which is a beautiful open space filled with walking routes, trees, open areas and a cafe for an obvious drink stop.

A little further away, but still relatively close is the Kralingse Plas, which is an ideal location for many residents of Rotterdam to spend some time. It has a vast expanse of water, forest and a multitude of activities for people to enjoy. Already, it is popular with runners, walkers and outdoor fitness clubs. It is a great space close to the city, but a world away, if you know what I mean.

The river Rotte is also close by and this again is a fabulous area to simply get out and explore. It is a little further away, so I tend to get there by bike, but once there it does offer some wonderful scenery and it has plenty of things to do, for anyone wishing to explore.

The https://www.ookditisderotte.nl/ website can offer and explain a little more.

Besides green spaces, a city also has its appeal. Rotterdam is awash with modern architecture, and it is always interesting to walk among some of these exciting and creative structures. I am not particularly an urban lover at heart, but I do find it vibrant and appealing on the eye and it is amazing for taking photographs.

My partner runs some amazing photography workshops that cover both urban and natural landscapes. If walking and photography is your thing, then her website and workshops https://claireonline.nl/workshops might be worth a view.

The Benefits

Like most things in life, I only try to focus my mind on the positives. As we all know, the negatives only hinder you from moving in the direction you want to be moving in.

The way I see it, a walk after work allows the following to take place:

A chance to enjoy some much needed fresh air and offer a sense of freedom.
Time to unwind and reflect (honestly) on the day you've had.
The chance to communicate, with a loved one, family or a group of like-minded others.
The chance to see the world slightly differently, especially if you live in an urban landscape. Around every street corner is something new and interesting.
Increased levels of positivity and the chance to influence others. By getting outside, modelling good practice seems a perfect way of motivating others and by doing so you never know where it will take you. You might just start a walking revolution.
Health benefits - a healthy body, heart and mind, all go hand in hand. So, the more active you are, the healthier you will be.
Walking allows you to see something new and possibly discover something a little bit different. They say variety is definitely the spice of life, so follow my lead!
Walking is FREE! and everybody loves something for nothing. Right?

In Conclusion

I’m not sure I am writing anything new here, but I do feel this is something worthwhile pursuing and a micro adventure that can be easily integrated into your daily life - today!

All that is needed is a desire to commit, finding an appropriate time to get outside and for however long, go for a walk.

By doing so, it will not only motivate you to do it more often, you will feel good, and ultimately it will become less of a chore and more so, an activity you enjoy doing, as part of your daily routine.

Inspirational Others

When writing this particular blog post, and I am guess attempting to pursue a new outdoor adventure, through maximising my outdoor time. You often come across inspirational others who are clearly way ahead of the game.

Sarah Irving, from Manchester is also an avid Outdoor Enthusiast, who writes through her inspiring blog called The Urban Wanderer and has some wonderful content that is both interesting and relevant to anyone living in an urban environment and seeking enjoyment outdoors.

Living in Manchester, England she continually seeks every opportunity to embrace the outdoor space found all around her and within her travels. In turn, she does her very best to inspire and encourage others to do the same.

I personally feel that her content is great and her wonderful blog is well worth a read. The Urban Wanderer