Why Walking is Good for your Business!

So why as a Virtual Assistant am I suggesting that walking is good for your business?

And, what is the connection with my Virtual PA business?

Well, now that I am self-employed and work from home walking has become an important part of my working day.

I got hooked back in my student days. I spent a summer working in Switzerland and would spend any free time I had hiking in the mountains. Later I even managed to incorporate it into my career working as a researcher for a company specialising in walking (and cycling) holidays – Headwater Holidays.

Moving to Luxembourg and working for a large corporation, also entailed a Monday to Friday desk job. It slowed me down a little. However, I’d always tried to get out of the office on my lunch break. Even if it was just a quick circuit of the local park or to the sandwich shop and back.

Why I am Walking the Walk

Now that I am freelancing from home I try to get out most days and walk for at least 40 minutes.  At weekends I will try and do a longer hike of several hours.

Not only does it make sure I incorporate some exercise into my day, but its much more than that. I find it a great way to lower stress levels (the more stressed I am the faster I walk!).  It helps me clear my head on those days when brain fog strikes.

If I have a problem on my mind or I am looking for inspiration, I go for a walk. Back at my desk, with a cup of tea, the ideas usually flow and I feel energised to tackle the rest of the day.

Even on a busy day I’ll try to get out and have been known to make calls while walking (as long as I don’t need to take notes!!).  I might listen to a webinar or podcast. Sometimes though I just listen to music or enjoy the peace and quiet, and the sounds of nature.

I have held meetings while out walking. If you have a difficult one to one conversation that you need to have with someone, try taking them outdoors and have your discussion while strolling. You might just find that they are more at ease and the conversation flows more easily.

As for the weekend hikes, those are a great way to reconnect with a partner after a busy week. It’s a great way to spend quality time with your children (and tire them out).  You can catch up with friends while getting your daily steps in too.

Convinced yet that Walking is Good for Your Business?

So have I persuaded you on the virtues of going for a walk? Perhaps you would like to free up more time for your favourite stress-busting activity?

If you are beginning to feel overwhelmed with all the day to day work and need some help in your business, then don’t hesitate to contact me to find out how a Virtual Assistant could help you out. You can also check out www.paperweightpa.com to find out more about my services.

If any of my Luxembourg based contacts fancy meeting over a walk to discuss how I could support them, I am more than happy to oblige!

If you would like some suggestions for routes around Luxembourg, I would be delighted to share my favourites or you can check out www.geoportal.lu for some great route suggestions.

I’d love it if you would drop me a comment in the box below and don’t hesitate to share your favourite walks and hiking routes.

Happy Hiking!

Sandra