Summary

The author describes the transformative experience of walking 60 minutes daily for a year, leading to improved mental peace, breathing, and discipline.

Abstract

The article details the author's journey of walking for 60 minutes every day for 365 days, starting from December 1st, 2020. Initially spurred by the isolation brought on by COVID-19, the author noticed significant positive changes, including a calmer mind, enhanced breathing efficiency, and increased personal discipline. The walks provided a sense of relief from stress, an unexpected capacity for physical exertion, and a strong sense of self-efficacy. The challenge also reinforced the belief that commitment to a daily routine can lead to profound life changes and self-improvement.

Opinions

The author initially underestimated the benefits of daily walking, viewing it as a potential waste of time.
A notable sense of calm and freshness was experienced from the very first walk, which became a consistent aspect of the author's life throughout the year.
The author's breathing capacity and stamina improved significantly, as evidenced by a contrast in physical response during a strenuous climb compared to a friend's.
The discipline developed from the year-long commitment was substantial, with the author overcoming various weather conditions and other potential deterrents.
The experience instilled a strong sense of self-belief and the realization that one can achieve what one sets out to do, encapsulated in the Latin phrase "Debes Ergo Potes" (You must, therefore you can).
The author encourages readers to undertake similar challenges and shares the positive impact of other year-long challenges they have attempted.

Fitness | Health | Lifestyle

I Walked 60 Minutes For 365 Days

Here are 3 things it gave me

On the 1st December of 2020 year, 365 days ago, I was scared. I understood one shocking thing. I haven’t been outside for the whole month.

COVID hit my social life strongly. Delivery services completed my isolation. Providing an opportunity to get everything you need without seeing the sun.

I knew that walking outside was kinda, important. But I wasn’t sure. At first sight, it seemed just a waste of time. What can I possibly get walking in the park the same route every day?

A lot! But I didn’t know it then.

However, I decided to give it a try. The original deal was next. Walking for a month at least 60 min per day. That wouldn’t kill me. I hoped so…

In 32 days after celebrating New Year, I extended my challenge for 11 more months. I was hyped because I noticed positive changes in my life.

Here are 3 things that become better after that 12-month walking challenge.

Peace of mind

Sitting in complete isolation, even in a comfortable flat, is pretty stressful. The fun thing, I didn’t note it previously. The more impressive was the relief I’ve felt during my first walk in the nearest park.

I breathed deep while walking. My muscles were relaxed and stimulated at the same time. I felt even a little dizzy. The brain got used to a new amount of oxygen in the blood.

In 60 minutes, my timer started ringing. It was over for that day. I felt calm and fresh. A sense of calm stayed with me over the next 364 days.

It was that first experience that helped me decide to continue my challenge.

Deep and powerful breathing

For the next couple of months, I enjoyed my walks. Even the weather was chilly — it was winter. As a rule, my pace was high, and I came home well warmed up.

Everything was good, so I didn’t need any extra motivation. But I got it.

My friend and I got some business to do on the 35th floor of the highest building in the city. Usually, I love visiting this tower. The upper floors offer great views.

But not that time. The elevator was broken. We had to go 35 flights on foot.

It wasn’t easy for me. On the 34th floor, we stopped and gave ourselves 5 minutes to even out our breathing. Or maybe more than 5 minutes…

But what I was amazed by was my friend. He was sweaty and red. Panting so loudly that he could be heard within a radius of 100 meters. Meanwhile, I was breathing heavily but still feeling pretty good.

In a couple of months, my breathing became deep. I felt more power doing the breath. That feeling is worth trying.

Discipline

Try to perform any action for 365 days, and you gonna improve your discipline. The same happened to me. There were hundreds of reasons not to walk.

Luckily my will was strong enough. I didn’t fail myself and completed the challenge.

Going outside every day for the whole year was a complex task. Sometimes it was raining or snowing. It isn’t so pleasant to walk during the storm when cold raindrops or snowflakes fly in your face. But I had to.

If you must do something, then you can do it. It became my new motto.

Debes Ergo Potes in Latin.

This inscription hangs over my desk now.

Final thoughts

Completing a one-year-long challenge proved to me that I can. It gave me faith in myself.

It’s a life-changing experience. I strongly recommend it to everyone.

Also, you can read about my other 365 days challenges here. For example, 365 days water drinking challenge.

P.S. If you liked the article, follow me and clap a couple of times. Good luck!

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