Why I'm Taking a Walk Every Day
Marla Gottschalk, Ph.D.
Helping teams & organizations evolve with confidence.
My mind feels cluttered lately. I'm sure you've experienced this.
I blame myself.
While I’ve committed ample time to absorb facts and figures, my devotion to down time has been — well, paltry. I’ve neglected that part of work life that we all need; to pause, reflect and process information.
Because of this, I’m certainly less productive.
Being very busy is a great thing — but overload is another. To be productive in life and work we shouldn't make a habit of "bullying our brains".
However, we do this nearly every day.
I’ve recently read a fascinating article about how some of the most incredible individuals of the last 400 years chose to spend their time. (See it here. More on the book Daily Rituals, by Mason Currey, here.) While their areas of expertise was varied, there was one obvious link among many of them; from Milton to Tchaikovsky — many set aside time for a daily walk.
A few ventured alone. One with family. Walking was woven into their lives.
Shame on me — I really should know better.
Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Digestion. I’m not referring to gastronomy — I’m referring to all of the information you’ve taken on-board today. It’s difficult to see patterns, and develop connections when your brain isn’t allowed the time to process effectively.
- Fresh air. I love my office, but a change of scenery does help me to feel rested and refreshed. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to a beach, skyline or a handy mountain range to view, as some of my lucky colleagues. But the breeze is just as refreshing here in the mid-west — and the birds just as vocal.
- Lowered anxiety. With our busy work lives, comes our unshakable friend — anxiety. Physical exercise has great way of managing this nagging work life by-product. You simply have to make the commitment to incorporate exercise into your day.
- Digital reprieve. Not sure how much time you must spend in front of a computer. I do a lot of my work on-line. At times, I simply forget there is more to life than a keyboard.
I’ve committed 20 minutes each day this spring and summer to get out and walk. Whether it’s a stroll around your office building, a nearby park or a quick trek down the block to grab lunch and back. I challenge you to do the same.
BTW, take a tip from Mozart and keep paper and pencil handy.
Write me here and let me know what happens.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She is the Director of Thought Leadership at Kilberry Leadership Advisors, Toronto. She also writes The Office Blend.
Production Print Solutions Engineer at Ricoh Canada Inc.
9 年I picked up a fitbit a few months ago and was shocked at the lack of physical activity in my life. The last couple of months I've been doing their 10K step challenge at a track before work and lately have been adding in some extra exercise after work. I found that I had to add it to the beginning of my day; if I wait until end of day or try for lunch hour, it can easily fall victim to being busy.
Senior Electrical Engineer at Purdue University
9 年This is so true. A walk outside (not a treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike) is the best preventive medicine for mind, body, and soul!
Lead ODF Editor at NASA Johnson Space Center (GHG Corp)
9 年Lovely. Thank you for the encouragement! I often have the desire to walk, and don't stop other activity to do it. I accept your challenge!
Operations Performance Manager | Driving Efficiency and Excellence at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
9 年Dan, great comment. Ditto on my as well.
Information Technology Program Manager at the Dept of Housing and Urban Development
9 年My fellow Mt. Bike riders do not understand why I will not listen to music while riding the bike in the woods. To me, there is nothing more therapeutic than being out in the woods with no distractions, sounds, and people. Instead of music, I draw my motivation from the sounds of wildlife, running water, wind in the trees, etc. Thanks for the article.