7 technological ways to make walking more pleasant

Walking isn’t just man’s original means of transportation, an age-old pastime, or the go-to exercise for anyone who wants something simple and low-impact. This humble yet powerful activity can also have a huge positive effect on your physical and mental well-being.

If you struggle to find pleasure in walking but want to do it more, it’s possible to turn your walk into a new hobby, pastime, or even a fun challenge. All you have to do is consider some of the ways technology can make walking more enjoyable.

1. Explore with plant identification apps

Have you ever found yourself looking at a plant as you walked around and wondering, “What the hell is this plant?” Enter plant identification apps like PlantSnap and PictureThis. These apps turn your phone into a botanical faster than you can say “photosynthesis”.

Just snap a photo of a plant and these apps will do the detective work, identifying the plant and providing fascinating details about it. So next time you’re out walking, why not embark on a mini botanical adventure?

There are other apps to check out as well to plan your walk.

Download: PictureThis Plant Identifier for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

2. Use bird watching apps

With apps like Merlin Bird ID or Audubon Bird Guide, you can turn your casual walks into some pretty fun birding excursions (seriously, that’s not bad!).

Apps can help you identify birds based on their appearance or characteristic chirps. Just enter what you saw or heard, and voila, you have a name for those flying creatures you see. You’ll find that a little bird-watching makes your steps that much more enthralling and keeps your eyes rolling.

And who knows, maybe by learning about the local bird population, you’ll strike up an interesting conversation with a fellow birder.

Download: Merlin Bird ID for iOS | Android (Free)

3. Try geocaching

Want to add a touch of Indiana Jones to your daily walks? Well, you might not discover a priceless treasure, but with geocaching you can definitely turn your walks into a hunt for something exciting.

The Geocaching app unlocks a world of “geocaches”, hidden treasures hidden by fellow adventurers. Simply use the app to locate a geocache near your walking route and set off on your mini-expedition.

Geocaching isn’t just about following your GPS to a hidden container; it’s also about decoding hints, solving puzzles, and using your observation skills to find the geocache. This mental stimulation can enhance cognitive function, enhance memory, and promote creative thinking. You may also want to check out other apps to gamify your fitness.

4. Listen to podcasts

Podcasts are like radio shows in the digital age, with one key difference: There’s a podcast out there for just about every interest you can think of. If you love true crime stories, there’s a podcast for that. If you’re into quantum physics, you guessed it: there’s a podcast for that, too.

Podcasts can turn your morning walk into a masterclass with educational podcasts like Freakonomics Radio, while fictional podcasts like Welcome to Night Vale could be useful if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in another world.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something lighter, try a comedy podcast like Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend or tap into wellness with podcasts like The Happiness Lab. Whatever your interest, there’s a podcast waiting for you. take your ears away on a journey of discovery. So why not turn your walk into a personalized radio show? Just press play and let your ears learn as your feet pace.

5. Download entire music albums

You know you can hear music when you walk around, but in the age of streaming music, you might be tempted to turn to those auto-generated mixes or top hits playlists. This is your reminder not to forget the underrated joy of listening to an entire album.

Listening to an album in its entirety provides a more immersive and intentional listening experience. It’s like reading a whole book instead of random chapters. You can embark on an artist-created journey, often complete with emotional ups and downs, thematic arcs, and hidden surprises.

Consider this: A scrapbook is carefully curated by the artist to tell a story or convey a specific mood. When you hit “shuffle” or switch to another album, you’re interrupting that narration. But when you allow yourself to sink into the whole album experience, you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the music.

If you end up listening to music and suddenly find yourself wanting to run, there are other apps to make your run more enjoyable.

6. Listen to audiobooks

If you don’t have an Audible subscription, no problem. Audiobooks don’t have to cost you a dime. For example, Libby is a free service that lets you borrow audiobooks from your local library. All you need is a library card.

If you save those cliffhanger books for your walks, you’ll be so eager to hear what happens next that you may find yourself taking the long way home.

7. Practice photography

Whether you’re an Instagram aficionado or someone who simply likes to capture the surrounding beauty, taking photos during your walks adds a whole new dimension to your outings.

So go ahead and unleash your inner Ansel Adams. Take a moment to admire that blooming flower, that whimsical window display, or that adorable puppy. Not only will you add a nice look to your walks, but you’ll also start to see your everyday surroundings in a whole new light. Then, save those photos in a specific album to relive the memories and inspire you for future walks.

Turn your walk into something special

There are many other technological ways to turn your ordinary walks into everyday adventures. From botanical explorations with plant identification apps to exciting storytelling through audiobooks, every step you take can become a step towards fun, discovery and enjoyment.

So lace up those shoes, grab your favorite gadget, and embrace your walking adventure knowing that every step you take is not only a step forward, but also a step towards a new mini-adventure.