Spending just ten minutes each day on a leisurely walk can do wonders for your mood and help bring you back to the present moment. Try stepping outside and taking a stroll around the block for a quick boost. During your walk, try to resist the urge to think about your to-do list or other distractions, and instead focus on the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
On a recent walk with my daughter, we were surprised by the appearance of two friendly cats who followed us as we laughed our way around the block. We took a moment to pet them and give them silly names, and now we'll be sure to greet them warmly the next time we see them.
Walking with the intention of slowing down and being present can lead to unexpected conversations and discoveries. Next time you go for a walk, try leaving your headphones at home and see what you notice. Let us know about your own walking experiences!