Walking to work allows you to spend time outdoors, save on gas and transportation fees, improve your physical well-being, and get ready for the workday. This guide details why you should consider walking to work and how you can get started right away.
1. Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Walking to Work
One of the main benefits of walking to work is its effects on your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re trying to be more physically fit or manage stress, walking can help you slow down, be more mindful and boost your energy levels.
Physical Health Benefits of Walking
You can get physical health benefits from walking, even if you walk for just 30 minutes daily. Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day for five days each week can reduce the risk of age-associated diseases. Walking also decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dementia and other diseases. Plus, it increases your longevity. For example, walking contributes to the health and longevity of people living in Blue Zones, which are regions with the highest concentrations of people over 100.
You don’t need a gym membership to start living a healthier life. If you don’t have enough spare time for a workout, walking to work can suffice!
Mental Wellness Improvements
It’s no secret that physical activity can help you feel better, but did you know that walking for 30 minutes each day can reduce the risk of depression by 25%? Getting enough activity every week is extremely important, but it can be challenging if you have a desk job. A long-term sedentary lifestyle can also cause mental health issues. Walking to work can help solve this problem because it’s easier to incorporate into your daily schedule than a new workout routine.
2. Financial and Productivity Advantages
Walking to work can help you save money and increase your productivity levels, too.
Cost Savings for Employees
Walking can save money in various ways:
- Gas and transportation: If you walk to work, you won’t need to spend as much on gas and transportation fees. Depending on where you live, transportation costs can range from about $50 to $140 monthly. That goes down to $0 with walking! You can also combine walking with other modes of transportation to save money.
- Traffic congestion: One study showed that drivers in Philadelphia lost approximately $2,102 for around 149 hours of traffic congestion. If you walk to work, you can save this money!
- Health care expenses: In the long term, walking can help you save on health care expenses, thanks to a healthier lifestyle. Walking more than one hour per day, walking at a faster speed and walking without impairments are associated with lower health care costs.
Some apps and commuter programs also offer incentives for employees who walk to work. For example, when you enroll in a commuter program, you might earn retailer discounts, restaurant coupons or event tickets.
Boosting Employee Productivity
Walking is good for your focus, energy levels and creativity. It helps you “switch off” and be more mindful of your surroundings, whether you’re experiencing the nature around you or counting each step you take. It can also help you process yesterday’s events in preparation for the new day.
If you were to ride in a car or take public transportation, you may be tempted to check your email, read the news or get on social media. Walking allows you to take a pause, which can help you feel more productive later on. A walk may even provide the break you need to solve a problem you’ve been working on, which can boost your mood and increase your morale.
3. Community Impact and Well-Being
If more people decide to commute by walking, the most obvious impact would be the reduced traffic congestion. Fewer cars out and about can reduce wear and tear on roads, allow public transportation vehicles to reach their destinations faster and reduce overall community stress.
The more walking becomes a normal part of everyday activity, the more it can impact the community. Authorities and organizations can take proactive measures to make walking easier and safer by improving pedestrian streets and increasing amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions and Tips
Here are some answers to common questions about walking to work.
Is It Good to Walk to Work Every Day?
While it’s a great goal that can impact your health, finances and productivity, walking to work every day can be overwhelming, especially when you’re used to driving or taking the bus. If you want to walk to work every day, start small to make the goal more achievable. Maybe you can start with walking to work three days per week. Or, maybe you’ll choose to walk only if the weather is nice. You can make walking more entertaining by listening to a podcast or calling a loved one.
Preparing yourself beforehand can make the habit easier to develop. Here’s how:
- Plan your route and ensure you’ll be walking in safe areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes and change into your work shoes when you get to the office.
- Take the excess out of your bag — it should be comfortable to carry, especially if you’re walking longer distances.
How Can Commute PA Support Walking Commuters?
A commuting program like Commute PA can make walking to work more appealing. When you sign up and create a profile, you can find safe walking routes and record your trips. Logging trips earns points, which you can redeem for retailer discounts, restaurant coupons, and tickets to shows and attractions. You’ll be rewarded 1,000 points just for signing up!
With Commute PA, you can plan your trip and review directions for walking, biking and using other modes of transportation. This makes starting the habit of walking to work easier and much more convenient. You can take advantage of Commute PA if you live or work in Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties.
Start Logging Trips Today With Commute PA
Commute PA can help you move away from driving your car and take advantage of walking, biking, carpooling or taking public transportation. Whichever option sounds best to you, we’ve got the services to make it easier. Through our ride-matching program, you can find other commuters with similar schedules and routes and form a carpool. We can also help you walk and bike more safely by providing easy routes. Register and download the app today to start tracking!
