The reality, though, was anything but simple.
I arrived at work feeling extremely stressed, but I felt like I had no other choice.
After all, everyones commute was as hellish as this, right?
PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 17: Emilie Joseph wears sunglasses, golden earrings, a beige trench coat from Gestuz, bronze shiny metallic bras as part of a dress from Paco Rabanne, black leather cropped pants from Sportmax, high heels pointy shoes from Cosmo Paris, on February 17, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Finally, Id get a seat, I thought, and read on the way to work.
The buses were also seemingly always on diversion and would sometimes terminate abruptly, with no explanation.
With all the waiting around and delays, the journey would occasionally take almost an hour.
After a few weeks, I knew the route off by heart and could just zone out.
It was meditative, the perfect way to wind down after work.
By the time I got home, I felt like Id already written it in my head.
And physically, I felt great.
Before then, I might have gone to the gym occasionally but it always felt like such an effort.
Then came a pandemic which, for a time, put a stop to the long walks.
Most of the people in my life were concerned.
Wouldnt I be doubly tired if I did?
Wasnt that just too far for someone to walk in a single day?
Wouldnt I have to wake up much earlier?
I wasnt sure, but I wanted to try it.
As I crossed Waterloo Bridge, I was suddenly blinded by sunshine.
I had the city all to myself.
I even started sleeping better.
Its worth adding that I didnt walk in and backeverysingle day.
(On those days, though, I started taking shorter lunchtime walks.)
Now, more than a year on, I wouldnt have it any other way.
I feel my body realigning, recalibrating, as I move.
I also, like many people, haveseasonal affective disorderand have found that this routine lessens its effects.
And I feel the mental health benefits year round, too.
Its something I love; something I look forward to; something I do just for myself.
Oh, and the money Ive saved from walking is staggering.
During a cost of living crisis when fares are rising rapidly, thats no small thing.
); or have other responsibilities that totally consume their non-working hours.
If you cant walk, could you cycle?
Even that can make a huge difference to how you start your day.
Except, a walk is almost always so much nicer.
So, the next time youre plotting a journey, why not incorporate some walking into it?
You never know, you might just love it.
