This month's challenge

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. It’s simple, accessible, and incredibly effective and this July, La Pochette invites you to join our Wellness Challenge and walk for just 15 minutes each day. Whether you decide on a brisk pace around the block after finishing work or a mindful stroll through the park first thing in the morning, these short walks can actually deliver significant benefits to both your physical and mental well-being.

Why 15 minutes makes a difference

The fabled ‘10,000 steps’ can seem like an unobtainable goal, particularly when so many of us have jobs that require us to be stationary for a large part of the day.

Just a quarter of an hour spent walking each day can:

• Boost your mood and energy levels
• Begin to improve circulation and heart health
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Aid digestion and help maintain a healthy weight

A 2018 study published in Health Promotion Perspectives found that just 10 minutes of brisk walking significantly boosted mood and reduced fatigue in the participants. Another study by Harvard Medical School highlighted that regular walking is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, improved immune function, and longer life expectancy.

Make It Your Time

Transform your daily walk into a moment of calm or inspiration. You could:

• Listen to a short podcast or audiobook- we love “Feel Better, Live More” with Dr Rangan Chatterjee, “The Daily Stoic” for bite-size wisdom, or “How to Fail” by Elizabeth Day for perspective and connection.
  
• Embrace mindful walking.This means slowing down, tuning into your breath, noticing your surroundings, and simply being present for part of your walk.
• Connect with a friend or colleague.Walking alongside someone else can make conversation flow more easily than sitting and facing them. You might discover you have common interests or get new insights on something which has been going around in your head.

Whether you're walking solo or inviting a friend, the aim is to prioritise yourself, even for just 15 minutes.

Start Small

Like all our wellness challenges, July’s is designed to feel achievable and allow you to build on it. A 15 minute block of time fits neatly into your calendar (and we’re all for scheduling your wellness in advance) but your walks can also be spontaneous, grabbed when you realise you’re a little early for an appointment or when a meeting which had you rushing back from your lunch break is pushed back.

Wellness Tools That Help

Slip our Kit Bag or Sweat Bag into your tote, maybe you’ll need headphones, a breezy tshirt or a waterproof layer. Whatever’s required you’ll always be ready for a walk, whether before work, at lunch, or between meetings. Lightweight and designed for everyday life, they help you stay organised and on the move.

Our Shoe Carry is another essential. Easy to pack with your walking boots or comfiest trainers and put in the back of the car or in your suitcase so it’s ready when you are.

Let’s take the first step

Tag @lapochettelife on Instagram and share your progress. The most inspiring submission will win a £150 La Pochette voucher and be featured on our social media!

This July, join us and find clarity and calm one step at a time.