Take a Hike

It is 71 degrees in Austin, TX, and the weather outside is amazing. If you are stuck in an office, ask a colleague if they want to take a 15 minute walk outside. Better yet, start a 15 minute walk club at your office. If you are too busy to walk for 15 minutes, I recommend walking for 30 minutes.

There are all kinds of excuses we make to avoid the pleasures of walking, and none of them really make sense:

· Too busy?

Take a walk. The increased oxygen and blood flow will help you prioritize what needs to be done, and will give you the energy to do it.

· Sick?

Try walking. Light exercise can wake up your body so it can better fight illness, and people who exercise often are less likely to get sick.

· Have unruly kids?

Take them walking. This works for dogs and troubled relationships, too. There’s a pack mentality that happens when you move in a herd with people, and it can help strengthen your bonds and relationships.

· Too upset about the state of the country, the planet, etc. to do anything?

Get off your computer, put on your shoes, and get to walking. You're not doing anyone a service by being upset, and you have to take care of yourself first.

The only reason why you shouldn’t walk is if you physically can’t. One day, we will all fall into this category, but if that’s not today, let this be a reminder what a blessing it is to have two functioning legs and an able body.

I get that the weather isn’t always perfect, and that sometimes things hit the fan to where it’s hard to justify taking time away from other important tasks, but taking a hike is one of the most simple pleasures that can improve your quality of life drastically.

Now stop reading this, get outside, and take a hike!