Take One of These and Call Me in The Morning

While I'm not a fan of those bumper stickers suggesting you "Get Outside," (because, don't tell me what to do, you sanctimonious authority figure [unless I ask, then please just tell me what to do]) there's no question that spending time outdoors often works as a quick and easy mood lifter. In the Pacific Northwest, there are a lot of serious outdoorsmen/people -- hikers, skiers, rock climbers, and so on, but for those of us without the time, money, energy, or confidence to make the necessary arrangements for a hardcore outdoor activity, just taking a walk can be enough to reset. 

I used to be a runner and it took me a little while to be cool with just walking. Running is harder than walking, and therefore better, I thought. My perspective was that walking is running's lazy cousin from out of town -- fine for a brief visit, but I'm not inviting them to live with me any time soon. In quitting running, I gave up the endorphin rush and the efficiency of spending thirty or forty minutes exercising instead of the hour or so I usually take for a walk. Over time though, I've come to recognize and appreciate the pros of walking over running. I notice more about my surroundings, I can focus on a phone conversation or a podcast, I don't get injuries, and I don't have to wash my hair as often. I've slowly moved away from the "all-or-nothing" cognition that running is good and walking is less good. I tell myself there's something about this shift in mindset that has to do with aging gracefully. Don't get me wrong -- aging sucks in a lot of ways, but I aspire to be a wise and soft old woman, not someone who spends a lot of time and money trying to fool others into thinking I'm younger than my real age. I am aiming for the sweet spot somewhere between giving up and following Madonna's lead. And I'd much rather walk every day without pain than be forced to take long breaks from any exercise at all due to injuries. 

But I digress. My point here is to remind you that if you're feeling low, consider giving yourself a green prescription, in whatever form that may take for you. Read more about that on Reasons to Be Cheerful.