Walk It Off

I have been walking more consistently than I used to.  And, often, I’ve been covering a longer distance on my walks.  

“Everyone” says that walking helps relieve stress and acts as an antidote to sitting too much.  As we begin a new school year, I need both.

But I also use walking as a way to clear my head and encourage creativity.  So far, I think I might be onto something.

Could an activity so simple really be so beneficial?  I’m becoming more and more convinced.

And with so many people out walking, hiking, riding bikes, and engaging in just about every other form of outdoor wellness, are we in the midst of a trend that will lead to lasting and positive effects?

I hope so.

Is it possible that we will notice a resurgence of creative energy in our society, that outlasts the current sourdough baking and home improvement crazes?  Will we witness another Renaissance, of some type, perhaps?

I have no idea.  But before I go too far with the idea, I’ll slow down.  

Walking may or may not have dramatic effects on our creativity, but it won’t hurt.  Our brain is part of our physical body, after all.  Physical wellness affects mental and emotional wellness, which might just boost our creativity.  Most of us will take all the help we can get.

• More oxygen, in the form of fresh air?

• Reasonable amounts of sunlight?

• Time spent away from the screen, the emails, and the to-do list?

Yes, please.

Have you seen the movie, “What About Bob?”  It’s hysterical, and if you know the movie, you’ll remember the line, “Baby steps.”  Whether literal or metaphorical, I love that phrase.

Earlier this summer, I set a goal to walk the distance of a marathon within one week.  I only did it once, but I might just baby step my way to doing it again.  I won’t put pressure on myself to do this every week, but it’s a nice benchmark to keep in mind.  (That’s about 3.75 miles per day, if you walk daily.)

Who’s with me?