A therapist once suggested that I try to take a walk every single day. Part of that was just to get me out of the house; part of that was because walking is good for your mind!
Think about it. Sitting around the house doing nothing can be kind of depressing. Even if you are super-busy all day, if you rarely get the chance to get out, you’re going to get very tired of the same four walls. Walking gives you a chance at a new perspective! A stroll around the neighborhood, especially now that spring is here, shows you that the world around you is growing and changing.
I took a walk yesterday and discovered a huge carved statue of a bear in a neighbor’s yard. Thank goodness for camera phones! I would never ever have imagined ANYONE would have a giant carved bear if I hadn’t happened to choose that block for my walk.
A walk, even a short one, gives you a chance to stretch your muscles and get the blood pumping. And once you’re in motion, walking feels good! Depending on what time of day you’re walking…
- You may see kids playing in the school yard at recess
- You may see young mothers with babies in strollers
- You may see puppies tumbling in your neighbor’s yard
- You may see flowers and trees blooming
- You may see someone adding a story to their house
Sometimes, it’s nice to be reminded that there is a lot of stuff going on outside your house and outside your mind. Walk to the nearest park; maybe you’ll strike up a conversation with a new friend. Even just smiling at someone and getting a smile in return will help improve your mood! If you’ve got a friend to walk with — that’s even better! You’ve got a chance to chat and catch up on all the important things in your walking buddy’s life.