Walking to Recharge

dhoek

Ask Mass WIC

Dillon, my Dalmatian, has been following me around all evening even though he knows that we go for a walk after dinner. Granted sometimes, when I’m home early, I like to take advantage of the daylight and we’ll head out before the sun sets. I love that the weather is warmer and that I don’t need to wear so many layers to go out. I avoid walking on ice and snow but a cool evening is just perfect.

Walking is one of my favorite forms of exercise. I love to get out of the office or the house and walk around the park or into the woods. During the workday, I find that a lunchtime walk really helps to re-energize me for a productive afternoon. In downtown Boston, it seems that just about everyone is out at lunchtime. I see dog walkers with 5 -6 six dogs on leashes somehow not getting all tangled, moms and dads with strollers and others just like me outside for a change of pace. In a previous job, when I worked in a busy pediatric clinic, I really needed the lunchtime walk to relax and recharge. Now I find that getting up and moving outside is a great way to change scenery and get the blood flowing without overly exerting myself. Since I have started walking at lunchtime, I’ve noticed that I no longer gain weight during the winter. At home, walking gives the me chance to explore the neighborhood and notice the changing of the seasons.

Although I love walking, it’s always great to have a companion. My husband isn’t always up to it so I count on my dog to get me out of the house. Anyone who has a dog knows how much they love to get out. Dillon, with his boundless energy, really needs to move in order to relax. When the weather is cold, he does serve as a reminder that, yes, we do need to go out. I find that the hardest part for me is getting started. By that I mean finding the energy to change clothes. Once I’ve done that, the walking part is easy. I always return from a walk feeling good and refreshed. What gets you up and out the door?