With warmer weather finally here, it's been so nice to get outside and walk. I love walking the trails in my local area as it gives me peace, good exercise and just a release from the long work day. Now, living in Iowa, the Spring and the Fall, are the two main seasons I walk a lot. Although I do in Summer and Winter at times, the extreme hot heat, or freezing cold can make it tough.
One thing I notice a lot as I'm out walking, is people passing me by in both directions. I'm amazed by how many people walk while looking at their phone. Now I understand getting out and walking. That is great. But, do you really need to be staring at that screen? Is something so pressing that you have to be watching it or reading about it on a small screen while you walk in the beautiful outdoors? Now, headphones I understand. I typically have headphones in listening to music as I walk. That I understand. Getting some tunes to get a nice walking beat going. But staring at a screen? Why?
Are people just so addicted to screens that they need them 24/7? I mean just even a 1 hour reduction of screen time each day has shown to give people improved attention span, enhanced mental clarity and reduced anxiety and depression. Doesn't that sound good? Sign me up!
So, how do we set a goal for getting away from our screens for a while and walking more? Here is a simple rule we can follow called the 120-Minute Rule.
The 120-Minute Rule: Research suggests that spending at least 120 minutes a week, walking in nature, is associated with significantly better health and well-being. If 120 minutes is not possible, even 15–20 minute daily micro-breaks in a local park or outside can provide measurable stress relief and mood improvements.
So for as little as 18 minutes a day to get to your 120 minutes a week, get out and walk. Enjoy the fresh air, nature and all the other things that come with being outside. If I can do it, so can you!
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