Get Walking

Now that your finances are off to a good start (yesterday's post), it is time to get busy working on your health.  The very simplest way to improve your health is to exercise.  The very simplest way to do that is to walk.  You don't need to join a gym, commit to hours of workouts each day, or dress up in neon spandex and run with the masses.  All you have to do is put on a pair of shoes and start walking.  You can walk around the block, walk around your work site, walk down trails in your town, or walk around your city/county/town/waterfront/etc.
Not only will you feel better if you walk everyday, you will make some pretty spectacular physiological changes which can lead to a happier, healthier life (and give you the strength, stamina, and mental clarity that would be very useful if you do end up facing a major disaster).
So your second task (after starting your emergency fund) towards becoming prepared for anything is to commit to walking everyday.

• Walk 30 to 60 minutes a day; preferably outside in fresh air on a variety of surfaces with hills and flats (barring that possibility, a treadmill would be OK).
• Get a good pair of walking shoes (although any pair of comfortable shoes will work, if you are serious about walking, shoes made specifically for walking will make a huge difference in your comfort).
• Dress for the weather (obviously)
• Find a walking group if you like (like this one)
• Set some walking goals (X miles per day/week/month)
• Take a small daypack with you if necessary (to carry your wallet, keys, bottle of water, etc)
• Be aware of your safety at all times (cross at crosswalks, beware of walking in secluded areas alone, maybe carry a walking stick or Mace to fend off dogs, etc)