Hi, Neighbour.
Today I’m asking: What good is taking a walk? Why should we take a walk, if it doesn’t have a purpose, like getting us somewhere in order to do something worthwhile? It’s like saying: What’s so good about walking, anyway? or: What’s so good about walking on Grand Boulevard? I’ve seen it a thousand times, as I drive by.
That’s exactly the point. Get out of your home and don’t get into your car. These two activities don’t have to be automatically linked, but, unfortunately, for the vast majority of us, they are. However, for those of you who are working from home, start to see what it feels like to change your morning routine. For those of you who have to be at home for your kids, start to create regular activities outside — just walking. If your kids are young, they won’t feel the necessity to have a purpose for walking; they’ll welcome a short, peaceful time with you. And you’ll feel better, putting the worries of the world out-of-mind for a short time.
Get out of your home on foot. Breathe the fantastic air, oxygenated by all those North Shore trees. Work your legs. If you don’t have kids, listen to a good audiobook or some music, while you keep a constant pace. You can start slowly, with a short walk, at first, and as you feel stronger, increase the length of time or the speed of your steps. You can plan your route, so that you’re not far from home when it’s time to finish. Go in one direction for 5-10 minutes (uphill…?), then turn around and head back home (downhill…). Better to end your walks on a positive note, before you feel tired. You’ll be ready to do that again tomorrow — with minor changes, maybe. The best part is that you can choose to walk on the Boulevard or you can go down back lanes, where you’ll get a very different view of your neighbourhood.
Or take your kid(s) and/or your dog(s) for a walk and watch what they discover. I find that the best time to take a walk is before breakfast, 15-20 minutes, when the sun is rising (or not, in the winter). Put the coffee on and get your coat(s). It’ll wake you up to a New Day and build a healthy appetite. You (and the kids?) won’t arrive at the breakfast table, still in your pyjamas — even if you’re working from home. For some, it might mean going to sleep a bit earlier, to plan for a walk in the morning. An added bonus is that you get time to talk to your kids about fun things, because you feel connected to them and connected to nature. No pressure.
Try it! You’ll like it!
Fiona
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