How many steps do you take in a day? Believe it or not, there are physiological, mental, and emotional benefits to literally “taking a hike” whether your wife asks you to or not.
It’s simple. Easy. And according to this article in the Harvard Business Review (not commonly thought of as a health magazine), one of the most “strategic” things you can do for yourself.
So what’s the big deal?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, moderate-to-vigorous activity (including walking) can improve a person’s health and well-being. Both the physical and the mental.
I’m on yet another health kick. Trying to lose some weight to make traveling and living life that much easier. And for the past six decades, I’ve hated working out.
So I’m going to walk.
It helps that I love to be outside. I enjoy the out-of-doors. While some guys enjoy playing sports – even older-guy sports like golf and pickleball – my “sport” of choice is canoeing, camping, and backpacking. I just don’t do it very often because to do it well, you’ve got to be prepared.
It’s kind of a Boy Scout thing. I know. But trust me on this, nothing is more of a pain in the ass than realizing you didn’t have a contingency plan for a sudden thunderstorm when you’re stuck on an island in the middle of a lake.
So if lofting a 75-pound canoe over my head and hiking over some hills from lake-to-lake isn’t possible three times a week, the next best thing (I suppose) is making sure I’m getting in 7,500 – 10,000 steps a day. Some days I do well. Other times, work catches up to me and holds me down.
But there’s always tomorrow. And there are plenty of open trails to walk – no matter how cold or windy or wet. It’s just an hour of time spent clearing my head, enjoying the fresh air, and feeling good.
That “feeling good” part … it’s legit.
According to Dr. Jo Barton, Senior Lecturer of the School of Sport, Rehabilitation, and Exercise Sciences at the University of Essex:
“exposure to nature helps us switch from voluntary attention, which draws on our reserves of focus and energy, to involuntary attention, which requires less focus and energy. This allows us to recover from mental fatigue.”
(h/t to the Harvard Business Review … and Journal of Healthy Living – I added the second part. :D)
Okay, so it wouldn’t be an HBR article without bullet points. And this article is not any different. Because who doesn’t want to know how to walk with a purpose (seriously)? For those in the cheap seats, here’s a quick summary …
1. Walk for perspective. Use your time outside to connect with the larger universe and the beauty of nature.
2. Walk for connection. Spend your time on the trail with someone you care about and enjoy the shared experience.
3. Walk for learning. Listen to a podcast or audiobook and learn something while you get your steps in.
4. Walk for gratitude. Think about how lucky you are to be doing what you’re doing right then and there. Live in the present.
5. Walk for productivity. Learn how to dictate while you’re walking and capture all those great ideas you have when you’re miles from the office on the open trail.
And as far as I’m concerned … I’m walking for me. Because I like it, and it makes me feel good.
Now if you don’t mind, I’ve got to head out. I’ll be back in about an hour.
A dream job … or just a job of dreams?
You need to know one of the true “wizards” of Disney’s Imagineering department. He’s made a real-life lightsaber and now he’s creating the technology that could put a Holodeck experience in every home. Find out more …
So long Leap Day, see you in 4 years (or so) …
Oh sure, it seems obvious. Every four years, we’ll just add an extra day to the calendar. Unless the year ends in a 00, then … well … read this post and you’ll know all you really need to know about “Leap Days.”
Gone but not forgotten – favorite automotive trends from the past
America (and much of the world) has had a century-long love affair with automobiles – of all shapes and sizes. But just like that person you dated back in high school, a second look few decades after the fact may result in a raised eyebrow or two.
Leaping back into the DAILY SPAM … and much more.
It’s well preserved in its own juices and fresh out of the can. The DAILY SPAM is back.
Celebrating the best underwater photography of the year
The online gallery showcasing the best entries of the 2024 Underwater Photographer of the Year competition is absolutely stunning. I’ve posted a few samples and a link to the online exhibit.
Nothing to watch on HULU? Not exactly …
Overwhelmed with options when it comes to finding a new series to stream or a movie to watch? If you’ve got a subscription to HULU, I might have a few suggestions …
How Godzilla found his voice
There’s something delightfully nostalgic about the unforgettably corny schreech of a roar coming from the original King of the Monsters (Godzilla) in the original 1954 production. Here’s the story behind the sound …
Additions for your “ttrbyd” list
What’s this? Just another one of those lists of things to do, read, watch, experience before you leave this mortal coil? Maybe, but it’s worth the read.
Apple’s big bet on the MLS
How does Apple view its 10-year, $2B+ deal between Apple TV+ and Major League Soccer? It’s a way to reinvent sports for a streaming environment and get in on the ground floor of what could be the freshest source of “reality television” on the planet.
Animal stories … and much more.
Whether it’s a rampaging bear, a happy dog, or the return of the woolly rhino … it’s all good in today’s DAILY SPAM.
Still turning heads at 50 … happy birthday to THE EXORCIST.
Everything from celebrating fifty years of head-spinning thrills to the health benefits of ice cream. It’s all part of today’s nutritious meal of email delights.
Have you had your SPAM today?
Introducing a new column … Daily Spam is what I serve up after digging through the hundreds of emails I get every day … just so you don’t have to. I’ll provide links to interesting articles, videos, podcasts and more with no offers for winning lotto numbers, inheritances from African princes, or the latest NFTs. It’s free content worth every penny. Guaranteed.
You’ll never guess where I found the biggest obstacle to my recovery journey …
It turns out that the mind-body connection works both ways. Sometimes the biggest barrier keeping you from your success is located between your ears – which is why its important to understand how physical trauma can bring on depression and how your mental health affects your recovery.
The patient can go on vacation, but the therapy can’t.
Even when you intentionally “get away from it all” you don’t get away from it ALL. Blogger Mike Bawden explains how to manage travel, touring foreign countries, chasing grandchildren, and rehabbing an injured shoulder simultaneously.
Sometimes physical therapy can be a real pain …
I learned the hard way that pain, and my reaction to it, is one of the useful signals a therapist uses to evaluate the progress of your rehabilitation.
