I take a walk every morning. It’s good for me, and I’m a bit of an evangelist about it. But lots of people tell me they don’t have time to walk. Well, what if you could multitask it?
Phone a friend. Staying close to your pals is good for you. Research has shown that strong social ties keep our brains healthier as we age, make us more likely to survive serious illnesses like cancer, and can even make us less likely to get a cold. Learn more …
Talk to your kids. You know how conversation tends to flow easier when you have your children in the car? The same can be true when you’re taking a stroll together. Bonus: You’re making sure they get a bit of their recommended hour of daily physical activity. Learn more …
Grab some couple time. A walk can also be a great time to chat with your significant other – which is important for your relationship. To make the most of the opportunity, steer the conversation away from “housekeeping” items and the kids, and toward bigger issues like your hopes and dreams, and future together. Learn more …
Plan some meals. You’re more likely to eat healthy if you plan ahead. Walk with a notepad, or use the voice memo feature on your smart phone and jot down ideas. Bonus: You’ll feel less stress when it’s time to get dinner on the table. Don’t know what to fix? Check out drgourmet.com.
Run errands. Drop off the dry cleaning, pick up a prescription, or grab a few groceries. Just plot out a few things on your to-do list within walking distance of your house, or park within range and check things off as you stroll.
Know your neighborhood. You live there. Your kids play there (or will when they are big enough). Take a little time to meet the neighbors, check out the traffic on and around nearby streets and scope out the distance to local parks and playgrounds. The more you know, the safer your family will be.
Keep up with pop culture. No time to read? Listen to an audiobook while you walk. Or download a podcast. You can catch up on world news, discover new music, or learn a language this way.
Collect your thoughts. If you’ve got a problem to solve or a question to ponder, there’s nothing like a little circulation to the brain to help you clear your head. Decide what you’re going to tackle before you head out, and make it a goal to have at least three possible solutions by the time you get back.
Dictate. If you need to compose an important email, a letter to a friend or a report for work, you can dictate it into a digital tape recorder (or your smart phone). And who says a journal has to be on paper? Create an audio journal to record thoughts, feelings and observations.
Meditate. You don’t have to assume the lotus position or chant a mantra to get the benefits of meditation. Meditating while you walk can reduce stress and improve your mood and your sleep. Just coordinate your breathing with your steps, walk slow and easy, with relaxed awareness of your surroundings. Learn the benefits … Learn how …