This movement trend has people across the social media platform and beyond committing to a mindful walk filled with intentional self-love. Social media doesn’t always promote the healthiest behaviors, but when the girlies decided to rebrand walking to make it fun and good for your mental health, I was here for it. Ecopsychologist Loraine Van Tuyl, Ph.D., CHT, says that nature can be physically healing because it provides the body with immune-supporting bacteria, healing aromas, and that all-important vitamin D. Reconnecting with and appreciating the natural world can be incredibly transformative and even make you more resilient. A hot girl walk is a perfect time to reconnect with your natural environment. Even actress and activist Bonnie Wright loves to get outside for a daily walk. What else makes for a successful hot girl walk? Some chunky over-the-ear headphones and a jammin’ playlist that you can turn up to tune out the drama of your life. This walk isn’t the time to ruminate on that awkward thing you said to your date the other night or about the inevitabilities of the climate crisis. It’s a time to focus on the here and now and to allow negative thoughts to pass like cars on the road or birds flying in and out of your view. I’ve seen variations including the “gay girl walk” that is a mile and half where the creator dreamed about a Taylor Swift–themed amusement park, the “Adam Sandler walk” for those who prefer T-shirts and hoodies to trendy athleisure, and even the “grumpy girl stomp” for those that are a little sad but know they should get outside. The moral of the story is that we’re all embracing movement in a more accepting and inclusive way–which is a huge win in my book. One important thing to remember is to modify the rules of the trend to work for you because this walk isn’t just for the girls. It’s for everyone. And despite the name, it’s not about physical beauty, either. It’s about reclaiming your confidence and acting as the main character of your life!
