World Sauntering Day celebrated on June 19 every year might sound like a special day that serves no purpose. However, it is one of those days that can actually change the way we function and live our lives. The truth is, we live in a fast-paced technologically developed world that has no place for people who refuse to maintain the same pace. Hence, many of us get lost in the hectic world and end up placing our mental peace on the line. On the other hand, World Sauntering Day asks us to pause, take a deep breath, and learn to enjoy life. Let’s take a look at everything the day has to offer!
History of World Sauntering Day
Before we go into the history of the special day, let’s take a look at what sauntering actually means. Based on the meaning derived from the Oxford Dictionary, to saunter is to walk at a slow and relaxed pace — as if one has all the time in the world. The word ‘saunter’ itself has been derived from ‘Saint Terre’ and was coined by the French.To celebrate this idea, World Sauntering Day became a holiday in the 1970s. The occasion was the brainchild of a publicist called W.T Rabe, who came up with the idea while working for the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Why, you ask? To counter the jogging fad that had taken the U.S. by storm.While jogging has several health benefits, Rabe’s mission was to promote the idea of slowing down and looking at the world around us. Yes, jogging may give us a running high but it is a fast-paced exercise, while, on the other hand, just relaxing and taking in the world has several benefits of its own. According to Rabe’s son, the main idea behind sauntering is to wander from point A to point B without worrying about the logistics. It means, “You don’t care about where you are going, how you are going, and how you will get there.” The key to achieving the perfect sauntering journey is to drift aimlessly and pay attention to the world. The question now is, are you ready to give sauntering a go?
World Sauntering Day timeline
During this time, the word ‘sauntering’ means ‘to daydream.’
The meaning of the word ‘sauntering’ evolves and becomes ‘to walk leisurely.’
The word ‘saunter’ is used in modern English.
Writer Charles Baudelaire popularizes the word.
World Sauntering Day FAQs
What does the word ‘saunter’ mean?
‘Sauntering’ is a verb that means to ‘stroll,’ ‘loiter,’ ‘lounge,’ ‘go for a stroll,’ or simply ‘roam about.’
What does ‘saunting’ mean?
Sauntering and ‘saunting’ have the same meaning, which is ‘to walk about leisurely.’
Is ‘saunterly’ a word?
Yes, ‘saunterly’ is a word that has the same meaning as saunter. The word changes according to the sentence it is used in.
How to Celebrate World Sauntering Day
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Go for a walk
The easiest way to honor the day is by heading out for a relaxed walk with no destination or purpose. The only point of the walk should be to calm your mind.
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Tell others about its benefits
Since sauntering heals the brain, tell others about its benefits so they can saunter about and gain some mental peace.
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Read books about sauntering
While wandering aimlessly seems easy, it is difficult to train your mind to stop thinking about the past and present. Celebrate the day by learning more about sauntering so you can also teach others to do it right.
5 Facts You Need To Know About Sauntering
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Boost creativity
A stroll can increase creativity by up to 60%.
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Increased productivity
Lunchtime sauntering can make you more productive at work.
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Mood elevation
It increases blood flow to the brain and lifts the mood.
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Studying the stroll
Some studies have claimed that the way someone walks can indicate their sexual orientation.
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Reduced chances of cancer
Walking and strolling reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer.
Why World Sauntering Day is Important
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It defines the importance of a relaxed walk
The day sheds light on the importance of simply heading out for a quiet, relaxing walk with no purpose. When you go for a stroll, you tend to let go of all your worries.
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It teaches us to enjoy nature
Sauntering allows us to completely take in the beauty of the nature that surrounds us. No wonder it has such a soothing impact on the mind!
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It increases awareness regarding meditative walking
Meditating does not necessarily mean simply sitting in a quiet place. Instead, you can go for a stroll in a park or any area that brings you peace. All you have to do is focus on the present.
World Sauntering Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 19 | Monday |
| 2024 | June 19 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | June 19 | Thursday |
| 2026 | June 19 | Friday |
| 2027 | June 19 | Saturday |
