The simple power of a 15-min walk
I can’t imagine not taking a midday walk. What began as a curious experiment has quietly become an essential part of my day—a small ritual that grounds me, lifts my mood, and even helps me work better. Around noon, I carve out a simple 15 minutes to step away from my desk, wander outside, and be present.
I keep it mindful, too. Sometimes, I add a bit of ambiance with calming sounds, like Yoga Nidra-inspired music, or maybe I’ll listen to a short talk on mindfulness, philosophy, or psychology—something that tunes my mind to a more relaxed frequency. But it’s not just about filling my ears; it’s about the walk itself.
Each step, each breath, I try to take in consciously. Not every breath is a grand revelation, of course, but I make an effort to give purpose to this pause in my day. Walking clears the mental clutter, letting me focus on the world in front of me—whether it’s a familiar tree, the sky's changing colors, or just the feel of the ground underfoot. It’s about being fully there, experiencing life’s simplest moments in full measure.
Over time, what once seemed like a novel idea has become something I can’t do without. It’s a part of me now, and I only wish I’d found it sooner. This small habit, just a walk, has become something more—a reminder that sometimes, the best parts of our day are the ones where we slow down just enough to notice them.