Stop me if this has happened to you before … You’re sitting at a desk working on a project and feeling incredibly frustrated, tired and in a mental block, thinking you may never finish the job at hand. Or … you’re laying on your couch feeling incredibly lazy and you just can’t decide how to change the tone of your bad day because you have no energy. Or … you’re staring at a full dishwasher, full sink of dishes, mess in the kitchen and a to-do list of 10-items long, and you just don’t know where to start to get your life in order. These things happen — to all of us — all of the time. That’s life.
This past weekend, Dave and I took Rudy on a walk on the trail and around a nearby park. We did it for “Rudy,” but it sure gave us both some added energy and pep on a lazy afternoon.
I’ve got a simple solution for you today. While it can’t necessarily solve all of your problems, it can surely improve your frame of mind and your ability to handle whatever comes your way. Because perhaps the best way to conquer all of these situations above is to leave them behind and head outside for a walk. Yes, that’s right, just a little walk.
Walking outside is good for the mind, body and soul
Now that I don’t live in downtown San Francisco any longer, I don’t normally walk anywhere. And even though having a car certainly has its perks, I find that I miss a lot of that time outside-on-foot walking the streets of the City, because that time gave me plenty of fresh air and perspective. I typically made all of my decisions while walking. I talked to my Mom and caught up with friends while walking. I watched people around me hustling from one appointment to the next. I watched cars. I got my heart-rate up as I went up and down the inclines of my Nob Hill neighborhood. I changed my scenery and thus changed my mood. It never failed. It was a strange little dose of daily medicine.
Then things changed. I took a total and complete break from walking after first moving to the East Bay. Too much of a break in fact, so that I was driving every where and parking as close to the front door as possible. That left my transition time to just “think” out of the equation, because driving does not offer that same feeling as walking does. It left me feeling constantly “on-the-go.” Just when I knew it was time to add some walks back into my life, we brought home our little Rudy pup, and thus, the walking has gotten much more frequent. I love it. Rudy is a great reason to lace up my sneakers and get outside for a stroll. Multiple times-a-day.
Even if I’m in the middle of something, I know when Rudy has to go out, so we head outside — no matter the weather — and we both get some steps in. During those short moments outdoors, I try to soak up the fact that I’m not staring at a screen, and I try to refocus for the day. And there’s an added benefit to that walk if I take water or my beloved Naked Juice with me to liven up the experience even more and get some hydration and nutrition to boot.
An excellent source of potassium and vitamins A and C, this Kale Blazer juice is gluten-free, vegan, has no sugar added and contains kale, spinach, cucumber, apple and hints of lemon and ginger. All those dark leafy greens are so beneficial, and they taste good too!
Change your day with a simple trip outside
What’s the point of this message today? I want you to know that every single day we all face moments of frustration. Moments of confusion. Moments of exhaustion. And sometimes, the best way to get through it, is to get outside, go for a walk and clear your head. And if you have a dog, they will sure appreciate it too.
Rudy on a walk = one happy puppy. And yes, his tongue hangs out much of the time.
My friends … on this fine day … take that afternoon break when your mind is telling you it needs it. Step away from it all and move your feet. You don’t have to go far, you don’t have to go fast, but go. I promise you’ll feel better. And if you’re thirsty, grab some water or a tasty and no-sugar added Naked Juice. End preach.
Need a dose of energy? Stop what you're doing and get outside for a walk. #walk #fitness #freshair Click To Tweet**As a Naked Juice Ambassador, please know that this post is sponsored by the brand and I received complimentary products as well as compensation. However, all of the thoughts and opinions are my own. As always, I thank you for supporting my sponsors. (P.S. If you’re not already, check out my Naked Juice friends on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.)
Questions of the day
What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
When was the last time you went on a walk?
What’s your trick to improve your mood?
I love going on walks or runs outside especially if I’m feeling down. It’s amazing what the outdoors can do for us!
Hi Sarah! It sure is! Love the fresh air. Hope you get a walk in today! 🙂
You certainly know I believe in the power of a good walk! It’s one of my favorite ways to get active and like you said, clear your mind.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…3 Ways To Make Your Food Photography Stand Out: Part 2
Yes ma’am! 🙂 Hope you have a great day, Megan!
Couldn’t agree more- and since I have a hyper dog, We are forced to walk her daily, which is good for me too 😉
Marielle recently posted…What’s New?
YES! Dogs love the walking. I could take Rudy out for a walk every hour on the hour and he love NOT get sick of it heheh! 🙂 Have a great day, Marielle!
I’ve been walking a few afternoons a week after work and it definitely helps the mood and mindset. I’ve had to stop recently due to my ankle/hamstring/achilles issue and I miss it a bunch.
Thanks for the reminder that bad days and crummy moods happen to all of us.
Have a great Friday Eve!
Hi Courtney! Yes, get some rest on that ankle … a tough injury, I know. I had one once too and had to give up ALL activity for a full month for it to heel. But take some mental walks for now? 🙂
Whenever I get in a mental rut, I go outside and walk it out. Put the music on (or don’t), and just release!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Running Coach Next Steps + Wine Pumpkin Hummus (Vegan, Gluten Free)
You know the drill, Susie! Good work! 🙂
I totally agree the power of walking and being outdoors is so important and can really change your attitude! Have a good Thursday 🙂
XO Chloe
A Latte Lipstick
Chloe – A Latte Lipstick recently posted…Eating Right in OKC, Tree to Table Benefit
Thanks, Chloe! You’re right! Hope you get in a nice walk today. 🙂
This is great! I was saying last night that I was feeling “stuck in a rut”… getting outside to enjoy the fresh air, or at least getting active in this rainy weather we’ve been having, sounds perfect to get me out of it. Thanks for the tips. 🙂
Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth recently posted…Weekly Favorites
Yes, Jessica! Walk away that rut!! 🙂 Have a great day, friend.
To be honest, a good workout is typically what I go to to clear my mind, release stress, and re-focus. Its just a great way to get out anxiety, frustration and any other emotion. However, a good walk also does that! Just breathing in fresh air, absorbing the creations around me really helps me to put things into perspective. So what if my entire house is a mess? At least I HAVE a house! So what if I have a ton of work to do thats stressing me out. At least I HAVE a job! It really does help to re-focus on the positive!
Kat recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #57
Yes, Kat! Focus on what you DO have and not on what you DON’T have. I like that!! 🙂 Have a great day, lady!
Yes! A walk outside is a fast way to improve your mood, feel energized and less lazy, and get you moving in a productive direction. We try to walk daily for Mitchell’s sake and so I can get outside 😉 One of the best things I’ve found for myself is to just force myself to get up and do something, anything, even if it is just a load of laundry. By getting one simple thing done, I feel incredibly more productive and it can usually get me out of a funk.
Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted…Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls – #pumpkinweek2015
TRUE, Becky!! TRUE! You are handling this whole mothering thing with style. 🙂
SO true. Going outside changes SO much about my perspective especially if I’m struggling to be cheerful or motivated to work. I <3 the outdoors.
Emily recently posted…Why I thought I was ‘Fat’
Me too, Emily!! Positive thoughts and movement. 🙂 Have a great day, my friend!
I could not agree more! Being outside, fresh air and sun can do wonders for the mood! I walk the pup every day… it’s one of my favorite times of the day actually… just to be outside and at peace. Rudy is too cute 🙂
Hi Jessie! Dogs are so beneficial when it comes to helping us get moving, aren’t they? Rudy says hi!! 🙂
Ashley recently posted…A simple way to improve your mood each day
Ever since moving to Georgia I have been taking my dog on so many more walks and I definitely notice a huge difference in my mood and energy in the afternoons that walks can create!
Hilary recently posted…Brain dump Thursday
That’s great, Hilary! Keep it up!! 🙂
Nothing compares to fresh air and time outside. Ours boys(4 legged) get 2 walks a day, am and pm. It’s good for them and me. It also is a great way to catch up with friends and neighbor. And it is even better now in FL since fall weather is here. Love this time of year.
Hi Dena! Yes, ma’am! Good work on the multiple walks each day with your furry friends! A win-win for you both!
I can totally relate to this post! I worked at a barre studio for hours every day in Orlando, and both studios were located in very walkable areas. I would either go for a run outside or walk to grab lunch and back every day. It was my favorite time and certainly helped me unwind! After moving to Michigan, I soak in all of the time outside I can get. I guess that’s why I go so walk and run crazy in the summer and fall months. Winter is just… too cold. And I sure to miss being outside for an extended period of time for months at a time! I’m certainly happier and feel better when I make a conscious effort to stay active outside. Roadie loves it too!
Heather @ Life In Leggings recently posted…Scenes From Scottsdale, Arizona
Ohhhh the cold winters! I can’t imagine how you do it. 🙁 There’s not enough bundling to make a walk enjoyable when the temps get real low I guess!
I have noticed in the past few weeks if I get out and walk it makes me feel so much better – while I have two little boys with me I am answer lots of questions or listening to them talk I still do get something thinking in and it is nice to be outside before I know we are going to be stuck in the house for the winter and days will be loooooong
Torry @ A World Without Wheat recently posted…WIAW #1
Hi Torry! Yes, I bet your little boys are very chatty and you need some quiet moments. 🙂 Enjoy those walks!
This is so true! Just going outside in the sunlight instantly boosts my mood. And I really think I do my best thinking when I go for walks.
sarah recently posted…Fat Talk Free Week
Yes, Sarah! Good for you! 🙂 Hope you get in a nice walk today!
Ashley recently posted…A simple way to improve your mood each day
Totally agree with you! Taking a walk outside is how I stay grounded and de-stress on stressful days. I find it so therapeutic!
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things recently posted…Fitness tips for busy mums | Expert advice
It so is, Krissy! We all need to do more of it. 🙂
This served as a reminder to make sure I go back to my daily walk at lunchtime.
I’m working on a horrendous project at work and have been going in earlier to work and sacrificing my lunch hour walk about Glasgow this week.
Today, I’m be making sure I get that time, MY time back.
Thanks for the reminder Ashley! 😀
neil@neilshealthymeals.com recently posted…Ben Cruachan and Oban Weekend
That’s right, Neil — take that “ME” time back. It’s good for the mind and body!! Good luck with your project. 🙂
This is such great advice, Ashley! Whenever I’m in a funk, I always find that a good dose of fresh air makes me feel better. And the best part is that the weather doesn’t even have to be great — just getting outside is enough to do it. And Naked juice? Ob.SESSED. Their orange mango flavour makes me weak in the knees.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. thinking out loud #153 .
Hi Amanda! Oh I love me some Naked Juice. 🙂 And as far as fresh air — YES, YES, YES. It does wonders for us all. Happy Friday to you, lady! Thanks for saying hi!
Agreed, outside walks are the best! I try to get a short walk in at least every day around my office campus. It gives me a nice break from the work stress, and keeps me from reaching for too many office snacks!
Emily recently posted…Playing Catch-up: Parenting Rites of Passage and a Standing Desk Update
For sure, Emily! Keep up with those walks!! 🙂
Great advice.. I recently moved to a house that doesn’t really have a garden, so I have to take Sheldon out for at least two walks a day. The first is at 5am before I go to work, which is a struggle to do, but it’s routine now, and when I’m standing in the park in pitch black darkness, it actually lifts my mood for the rest of the day. We then go for an hour long walk on trails in the afternoon. It’s great for clearing the head, getting some fresh air and I’ll do a few running drills or running too. 🙂
James @ HalfMarathonJames recently posted…Getting Ready To Make Big Changes For A Healthier Lifestyle
Exactly, James! It feels so much better once you get out there. How nice you have a routine down with Sheldon. 🙂