Earlier this week I created a goal of sorts, to be active throughout the day instead of focusing solely on the standard 30-minute exercise session.
So, I've been making an effort to take the occasional walking break. I took a 10-minute break at work to walk outside the building. I used my lunch hour to walk through a nearby neighborhood. My husband and I walked around the neighborhood where we live after dinner.
Now we all know that walking can be a great exercise, so let's just say that's a given and put that thought aside.
One of the great things I've found is these walks are incredibly refreshing. They clear the cob webs from the mind and lift the spirits. Yesterdat was the perfect day to be outside. The sun was out, a few puffy clouds sat in the sky, a light breeze blew my hair (but not so much to mess it up!), and the temperature was not too hot nor too cold. I thought to myself as I took my brief walk, "I would have missed all this beauty had I not made the effort to get out here." And what a shame that would have been!
I'll let you in on something else, besides being refreshing, taking walks inspires! The creative juices start flowing, especially when walking alone. There's something about the sun and fresh air that jump starts thoughts and ideas! The outdoors is much more inspiring than a dull, beige office, fluorescent lights, and a glaring computer screen. My only suggestion when taking the solitary walk is you might want to consider toting along a small notepad and pen in case you have those moments of profoundness.
While I'm praising walks' many attributes, what I especially like about taking them is the fact that I don't return dripping with sweat. Not the best look for the meeting with the executive staff I imagine (although it might make the meeting end a lot sooner)! I also don't have to change into gym clothes, let alone get myself to the gym. I just make sure I'm wearing decent shoes, grab my sunglasses, and go. Easy and very stress free.
I'd like to keep up my daily jaunts, at least when the weather is comfortable. Now I admit I still like a good, cardio and strength session, complete with the icky sweat. Those are fun in their own right. But walks... they're therapeutic, a welcome respite during those dingy office hours. And couldn't we all use a little more recess now and then?
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10 comments ↓
The Bag Lady loves recess. She’s been on recess for quite some time now, and it still hasn’t lost it’s appeal.
(Someday she may have to go back to work in a ‘real’ job, but for now, she’s doing just fine, thankyouverymuch!)
Great way to get out, get a break, and have a chance to think outside the building. I’ve been biking to work, and for me this has become a great time for me to just “think”. Keep it up!
That’s why walking is my favorite form of exercise ever! I’ve always said that I do my best writing when I’m out for a walk.
Hi Susan,
The most important thing I’m reminded of after reading your article is the importance of taking breaks – you know I’ve worked in places before where everyone would sit there at the computer all day without hardly moving – you’ve got to get up and get that body moving and a 10 minute walk around the building definitely refreshes the senses!
Bag Lady,
I hope you can always have your recess!
Lance,
Thanks. Keep up *your* great work by biking… ah, to work!
Sagan,
So true, but much more of a challenge bringing along the computer! Maybe a hand held voice recorder… We’d look like secret agents!
Hi JoLynn,
I had to learn to take breaks, funny as that sounds. My previous job was extremely busy, so taking a break was unheard of. So actually having a lunch hour was somewhat of a novelty in my current position. I really appreciate it, though!
I second your remark about the creativity!
so helpful to me when I get (cue ominous music) WRITERS BLOCK!
Breaks are ESSENTIAL for me to manage everything mentally. And, like you and MizFit, I find them to get my creative juices flowing. It is that great combo of fresh air and increased heart rate that clears my mind and gets the stale air out of my lungs. We take walks as a family after dinner – something my husband and I have done on a regular basis since we first got married 8 years ago. Now with kids, that’s our opportunity to have some conversation while they’re busy watching everything around us and entertaining one another – priceless!
Oh, and I love your take on how great it is not to get sweaty during those short breaks!
MizFit,
I hear you! Writer’s Block = frustration!
Brianna,
Hi! I love that you and your family have established a routine of taking walks! It’s great exercise, but, even more importantly, it’s time to spend together as a family.
Breaks help me clear my mind. Ahhhhhh….
Walking lowers my cholesterol, keeps my dog happy, makes me happy, and lowers my blood pressure. I don’t think there’s a better form of exercise.
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