Back in 2017, when I started working regularly at British Vogue, my morning commute from Surrey Quays to Vogue House felt like a daily battle. The short train ride to Bond Street quickly turned into a chaotic, overcrowded nightmare, leaving me stressed and exhausted before even stepping foot in the office. I was convinced this was just the price of living in a bustling city, but I was wrong.
When I moved to Oval a year later, I thought a bus ride would be my salvation. I envisioned a peaceful journey, reading a book and enjoying the ride. Reality, as it often does, shattered my expectations. The bus was perpetually packed, often with school children, and delays were a constant. Even when I managed to squeeze on and eventually find a seat, the journey was far from relaxing, often taking almost an hour.
It was then that I decided to try walking home. The route, through Mayfair, past St James’s Park and Westminster Abbey, was a picturesque journey that took a little over an hour. But instead of feeling like a chore, the time flew by. I used it to listen to podcasts, chat with friends, or simply observe the city coming alive as darkness fell.
After a few weeks, the route became familiar and almost meditative. I started noticing the city in a new way, appreciating the details I had missed before. It became a creative outlet, helping me to work through writer’s block. And physically, I felt incredible, with walking becoming a natural part of my daily routine, replacing my infrequent and tiring gym visits.
The pandemic briefly interrupted my long walks, but when I returned to the office, living in Bermondsey, I realized I could walk the same distance as when I lived in Oval. I took the leap and started walking to work, too. In January 2023, I decided to take it even further: walking both to work and home.
Many people were concerned. They thought it would be exhausting, that I wouldn’t have enough time, or that I’d need to wake up ridiculously early. But I was determined to try. It was a dark, cold morning, and the usual post-holiday blues hung heavy in the air, yet I felt strangely energized. My new route was a whirlwind tour of London, taking me through Borough Market, past Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, and the National Theatre, across Waterloo Bridge, and up Regent Street. I felt like I was seeing the city for the first time, appreciating its beauty and vibrancy.
I arrived at the office invigorated and ready to start the day, a stark contrast to the exhausted and stressed version of myself I used to be.
Weeks turned into months, and all the concerns people had about the walk faded away. I didn’t feel tired in the mornings, but instead, I started sleeping better and feeling more energized throughout the day. The commute, which used to take between 40 minutes to an hour on public transport, now took only 10 minutes more by walking. And because I was walking, I was guaranteed to arrive at the same time each day, free from the stress of delays.
I’m not suggesting that walking is a magical solution for everyone. Many people live too far from their workplaces, the route might not be safe, or they may have limited time. But even taking small steps, like walking part of the way or cycling, can make a significant difference to your day.
My decision to embrace walking has transformed my life. It’s improved my physical and mental well-being, helped me rediscover my city, and saved me money. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. So, in 2024, why not incorporate a little more walking into your routine? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
