43 Essential Tips for Walking Alone if You’re Nervous
By: Vicky Flipflop
Tags: Wilderness, Exercise, Solo Travel, Hiking, Walking

Benefits of walking alone

Walking in general has plenty of health benefits, but why walk alone? Simply put: you can focus on you.

There’s no pressure to be good company or to compromise on the route. You don’t have to think about anything or anyone else that you don’t want to. Reduced noise makes reflection easier too; there’s no running away from conversations with yourself.

1. Choosing your path and pace

One obvious benefit of walking solo is choosing where you want to go and how quickly you move. Whether you plot a route out or go where your feet takes you, it’s all up to you.

2. Walk on your schedule

It’s difficult to scrape out a consistent walking schedule, not to mention coordinating a walk with friends.

Walk alone and there’s no standing around waiting in the cold for someone else. Taking walks by yourself means much more flexibility regarding time — you can literally walk out the door now if you’re free!

3. Concentrate on your form

No walking buddy equals no chatting buddy. You can focus on your walking posture and form (if you’re treating this as an exercise session) without any immediate distraction.

If you do want to reap the physical benefits, make sure you’re keeping your elbows close to your body as you pump those arms; engage your core and glutes.

4. It is what you make it

Why do you walk?

Meditation, adventure or exercise — we all have our own reasons for walking. Depending on the day, you might want a gentle stroll with plenty of rest stops or a fast brisk walk through town. In going solo, you can adjust to the purpose. You can focus on what you started out to achieve.

5. Walk to the beat of your playlist

I don’t know about you but I curate playlists just for my walks. I also love going for a walk when Spotify tells me there’s a new album by one of my favourite artists too. Perfect opportunity to really get into it.

With no obligations to make conversation, I’ve never felt freer to pop my earphones in.

I also love listening to my podcasts when I’m walking alone. My favourites are all these brilliant podcasts by ladies in travel, as well as The Guilty Feminist, Travel Goals and the Global Newscast.

Of course, while it’s nice to move to the beat of whatever musical you’re into at the moment; it’s also nice to spend some time taking in the natural sounds around you. Take them out every now and then to soak up the soundscapes.

6. Maybe make some new friends

Chances are, you may be drawn into friendly conversation when you’re out alone! Especially if you have a dog. It could be someone walking in the same direction or that friendly coffee vendor; you never know where connections happen.

I mean, not now, obviously. Or for the rest of 2021 in fact, but one day. When we’re allowed to make new friends again…

7. Stop anytime, anywhere, for anything

When you’re walking alone you can make as many pit stops as you’d like — whether it’s a coffee break, new boutique store or attractions you haven’t had the time for.

Or maybe you’re building up your stamina, so you can take as many breathers as you need.

I feel like this is a big plus for people who tend to be slightly anxious around others, or who are people pleasers — the time to be alone and walk just makes it all the more relaxing.

8. Learn to spend time with yourself

Knowing how to spend time alone is extremely important — especially with enforced social distancing. Often, we’re kept busy with social gatherings, work obligations and off-work distractions. Walking alone puts a distance between you and those external noises. You get to actually reflect or process things that you’ve experienced or are struggling through.

I spent three years travelling the world solo, so I know how to spend time alone. I’m perfectly happy in my own company for long periods of time thanks to all this training!