How Walking Went from Chore to My Daily Reset (Especially in Perimenopause)
There was a time when I saw walking as just another task on my never-ending to-do list. Something I should do. Like folding the laundry or unpacking the dishwasher.
I’d put it off. Tell myself I didn’t have time. That a short walk wouldn’t make much difference anyway. That I should be using that time to “get things done.”
But something shifted.
Now, walking is part of my day - not because I have to, but because I want to. It’s no longer about ticking off steps or calling it a workout. It’s about creating space for myself to breathe. A short stroll has become my chance to reset my mind, reconnect with my body and press pause - even just for 10 or 15 minutes.
Why Walking for Mental Health Matters More in Perimenopause
At 45 and navigating the ups and downs of perimenopause, I’ve realised that movement isn’t just good for me - it’s essential. Not for fitness or weight loss, but for my mental clarity, my mood and my sense of calm.
And as a mum navigating the busy-ness of family life with two young adult daughters, life feels just as full - just in a different way. There are always people coming and going, jobs to do, meals to cook. I know how easy it is to put yourself last - to feel like going for a walk is selfish or indulgent.
But I’ve come to see it as necessary. Because when I move my body, I feel better. I think clearer. I show up more patiently - for my family, for my work and for myself.
How I Built a Simple Walking Routine (as a 45-Year-Old Mum)
One of the biggest shifts for me was this: I stopped waiting for the “perfect time” and started scheduling it in, like I would any other important task.
I aim for a short walk first thing in the morning, even if it’s just around the block or by the lake.
If mornings are rushed, I’ll build it into a mid-morning break - instead of scrolling or loading another dishwasher cycle, I take 15 minutes to move.
Some days, it’s a quick late afternoon walk before I tackle dinner. Just me, the fresh air and a chance to unwind before the day is done.
And here’s the thing: it doesn’t need to be perfect. I’ve let go of the idea that a walk has to be long or fast or trackable to “count.” All movement counts. Even the slow ones… Especially the slow ones.
Walking for Self-Care, Not Step Goals
Walking has become something I genuinely look forward to. It’s where I get my best ideas. Where I work through challenges in my head. Where I take in the beauty around me - even if it’s just the stillness of the lake or the sun shining through the trees.
It’s a moment of calm in an otherwise busy day. And I think we all need more of that.
So if walking feels like a chore to you right now, maybe try seeing it differently.
Not as a job to complete. But as a gift you give yourself.
Make it work for your life
Start small - even 5–10 minutes is a great start.
Attach it to a habit - like your morning coffee or school drop-off.
Ditch the rules - you don’t need special shoes, apps or goals.
Celebrate the feeling - not the distance.
Final Thoughts
As women, we often spend so much time doing everything for everyone else. Walking has become one of my go-to self-care tools, especially helpful during perimenopause. It clears my head, lifts my energy and reminds me to slow down. And for that reason alone, it’s worth making space for.
Do you walk daily too? Or is this something you’re working on?
