How walking can change your perspective

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November 2025

One of the benefits of walking is the opportunity it provides for deep reflection. We asked the Walk1200km community to share a time when walking had changed their perspective on something. Here are some of their responses.

Planning ahead

While walking through pain most days, I think about what walking events to enter and getting on with it. It’s good to have a goal if you can. It sometimes puts me in fast mode!

Leanne Spice

Clearing the mind

Walking helps me sort things out in my head, and even compose a letter or practise what to say to someone. Trouble is, sometimes I forget it all when I get back home. It does clear the mind, though, and gives things perspective.

– Karen Sortehaug

A more positive outlook

Walking is currently shaping my perspective as I return from two surgeries and a rare cancer. I’ve been limited in what I’ve been able to do since my August surgery, but when I go for a walk I am constantly reminded of what my body is capable of. It’s not a minor thing I went through and my body is still holding the trauma.

My perspective has changed – from what I’m not doing and should be doing to what I am doing and being.

– Verity Jackson

Best ideas come on a walk

While walking in one of my local regional parks I remembered reading about A.H. Reed when I was at school. As a retiree in his eighties, Reed walked the length and breadth of New Zealand. From those thoughts came the realisation that, as a man in my sixties, I could do something similar. As a result, I launched my own fundraising walks for small local charities. It’s while I’m walking that I have my best ideas.

– Roger White

A chance to reflect

At least two or three times a year I go to the mountains for walks and to give myself a chance to reflect. Sometimes I cry, sometimes I realise I need to slow down, sometimes I practise thankfulness.

It helps my mental health so much!

– Wendy Ann

Clarifying daily decisions

Every morning I walk for 30–40 minutes and use this time to focus on my life and the day ahead. Walking changes my perspective on what is in front of me and clarifies my decisions every day.

– Gee Payton

Making the world a better place

I was once made redundant and had a few issues in my personal life. At the time I felt that life was getting on top of me and I’d lost a sense of purpose. One day I took the bus into the city to do a couple of odd jobs. Seeing people with purpose and laughter brought on an increasing weight. As I waited for the bus home, feeling I couldn’t face people, I decided to walk home. That walk, probably about an hour, was the best walk I’ve ever done. By the time I got home I had solved many of the problems that had been dogging me and I felt that my crushing weight had been lifted and the world was a much better place.

I can still remember the feeling of dragging feet becoming lighter and the world around me becoming a happier place.

Thankfully, I have never been in such a dark hole since, but I do know the true therapeutic value of a long introspective walk.

– Stuart Hill

Gear to help you walk more this month

Back Country Cuisine Lamb Fettucine from $12.99

Just add boiling water to enjoy freeze-dried lamb and vegetables with pasta smothered in a delicate sour cream sauce. www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz

Bridgedale Hike Midweight Merino Performance Boot Length $57.99

All-year-round sock designed to ensure dry, warm and comfortable feet. It has advanced zonal padding for support and comfort on multiday trips. www.ampro.co.nz

Aku Fly Rock GTX $384.99

A lightweight hiking shoe for when you need traction, protection and high cushioning. www.gearshop.co.nz

Big Agnes Fly Creek UL25 $1199.99

The ideal ultralight bag for all your minimalist adventures. Sleek design, 850-fill down, recycled fabrics, 2﹎ comfort rating and just 722g. www.bigagnes.co.nz