walks are misunderstood
Most people I know misunderstand walks. I also did, until I was 2 years deep into NYC living. It’s a forcing function: I had to walk because it’s the most convenient way to locally travel here. Forcing functions are great teachers. Now I love walks and go out of my way to walk more. I ask friends and family to go on walks with me. Some of them get confused because they have a shallow view of walks.
I've noticed a lot of older people (60+) and not a lot of younger people share my newfound appreciation for walks. Our elders have discovered something many of us haven’t: Walking simultaneously stimulates and clears you mind.
As I'm writing this it feels like my mind is boiling because I’ve been couped up inside all day. It feels like thoughts are bubbling up at a high frequency, creating steam in my brain. The steam is brain fog. Going on a walk will make me feel like the steam has been released. It will clear the existing mental baggage and make room for fresh, forward-thinking thoughts. There's a lot of buzz about the mind + body connection these days. It feels like if you’re physically stuck inside, your thoughts are too. Something about physically moving forward seems to mentally move you forward.
Some people say you need to empty your mind of existing ideas before you get new ones. I haven't read anything scientific to back this up, but it feels true. I always get new ideas when I go for a long walk after I’ve cleared the mental steam.
I spam-ask my close friends to join me on walks. The most common refusal I get is that they're tired. This is when I realized walking is misunderstood. Walking energizes you. It's one of the best antidotes to lethargy I've found. If you don't believe me, try it. Or look at this perspective-changing graphic:
I feel this! After I go on a walk and sit down to be productive my brain feels active and creative.
Go on more walks. And do some without music.
End notes:
-One very convenient/efficient time to walk is after a heavy meal because walks also physically help with digestion, giving you less of a food coma.
My wife and I take a lot of walks, especially when we need to talk. It keeps us focused better and gets us outside. As I was going through a stressful time between work and a move a year ago, my wife and I walked the 1/4 mile down our cul-de-sac and back putting in miles at a time (and getting away from the kids, but not too far) it's amazing!