Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, the pristine kingdom of Bhutan calls adventurers with its awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and red rice and chilies. During a recent trip to this enchanting country, my two dear friends and I embarked on an unforgettable journey.

As someone who has hiked over 26,000 miles over the course of 11 years, I can attest to the transformative power of walking. Walking, for me, is not just a physical act but a spiritual one. It’s a way to connect with nature, to challenge myself, and to find peace within myself.

As a functional medicine health coach, I spend my days guiding people along their unique path to health, and what I have learned is that the more benefits we can squeeze out of the things we are already doing each day, the easier that path becomes. There are oodles of opportunity at breakfast that pack a powerful punch on your health.  Let’s talk about 5 of them right now!

Look, we’ve been walking most of our lives without thinking about it. Yet, as a Physical Therapist specializing in hip and knee pain, I became aware that the root cause of our pain is biomechanical — how we move and how we walk. (Side note: Joint replacements of the hip and knee are projected to increase about 35% per year over the next 10 years). So, are we walking wrong? And if so, why?

Breathing is one of the most powerful tools we have for hosting mindfulness and well-being. When we focus on our breath as we walk, it can help us to bring our attention to the present moment and to release any tension or stress that we may be holding in our bodies. I love that. Simple. Breathe.