This morning, I tried something new. Before I was swallowed up by the work calling me from the laptop, the tempting notifications from socials, or the ever-demanding to-do list, I decided I would make some time for self-care. I laced up my trainers, popped on audiobook, and headed out to my local park for a walk. My aim was simple: 10,000 steps before the work day began.

My reasoning for this was that as a freelancer who works at home, it’s so easy to end up not moving much in a day. And I feel the results. The bloating, the aching neck and back, the constant lethargy. I knew I needed to listen to my body. And with a smell of autumn on the air, I knew it was time. Admittedly, I am lucky in that I live in outer London, where I benefit from both a fast train into town and the leafy goodness one associates with the countryside close by too. I love being cosy at home, but can’t believe I neglect sights like this sometimes:

The park was alive in that crisp, golden way that only autumn manages. It’s still August, but it’s evident that my favourite time of year is almost here. Birds and squirrels were playing and seeking food everywhere I looked. A woman flowed through yoga poses, while in the walled garden, another woman practised Tai Chi. Friends walked while on their stroll, while dog walkers watched cute pooches sniff about and explore. A few smiles and satisfying crunchy leaf steps in, and I could feel my mood lift.

When I got home, instead of feeling groggy and irritable like I usually do (I am more of a night owl than a morning person), I felt energised. It felt like I had pressed a reset button on my body. Even my sciatica was nowhere to be found. All before a single drop of coffee passed my lips!

The results of my walk (keep reading for benefits of walking in the morning and more!):

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• The Abundance Reading Curriculum 2026
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• Black British Book List Access

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The Benefits of Morning Walks

As I discovered, there are several benefits to walking in the morning:

• Boosts your mood
• Helps your feel more alert
• Allows some self-care before the day gets busy
• Stimulates Digestion
• Accessible, low-intensity Exercise

There are many other benefits too. Check out the NHS website if you need guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/walking-for-health/

And of course there are sights like these to be found if you are lucky enough to have a park or green space near by:

Boosting Benefits with Audiobooks

Walking with an audiobook playing was like an extra treat. I walked further because I was focused on the story, not my steps, heart rate, or distance. And it meant that I actually got some extra book time in.

If you are a bookworm with a busy schedule, this is a great way to fit more reading into your day.

Here’s what I was listening to:

Morning Walks as a Writer

Part of the joy of walking outside this early was watching the world wake up. Taking some time to just watch, maybe take photos, or enjoy sights and sounds. It can be massively inspiring. When I walk at other times of day, I often carry a journal. I think I will incorporate some quiet time for morning walks, as there is something magical about the world early on. It’s good to be ready if the creative juices get flowing!

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I’m beginning to think this might be my new autumn self-care routine. Something gentle but grounding, combining books and movement, and reminding me to notice the world around me.

Do you pair audiobooks with walking, or have a self-care ritual that helps you feel ready for the day?

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