My New Habit

Now that the glorious summer is here, I am trying to go on a walk every single day-- and my walk to the subway station doesn't count!  I want to go on a walk, just to walk.  Today, for example, I walked about an hour to get to an evening event for an organization that I volunteer with (Hyde Square Task Force). But that didn't count.  I was walking with the intent to get somewhere.  I also spent a portion of the walk on the phone (something I will do often, beware-- when I call you, I'm probably one the way to/from the subway).

No, I wanted to have a walk just to walk.  To listen, to breathe, and to stop doing internet surfing, phone texting, room cleaning up (or thinking/guilting myself about cleaning it up), etc etc. 

In all honesty, I am hoping this new habit will help me deal with the upcoming stressors of the move and trip to Europe.  In less than a month, Alex and I will be in Italy (squeels!) and then one month after that, exploring the great state of Iowa!  (please reference the map, in case like my Nana, you do not know where Iowa is...)

This lovely little blog post talks about all the benefits of going on walks in case you're a skeptic, check this out.

I should say I am not doing this to replace exercising (I really need to get back to the gym...) or lose weight or anything like that.  I am doing it to clear my mind a bit and tire myself out (so I can sleep with out stressful night thoughts that keep me up!). 

And perhaps its letting me see more and more of my beloved Jamaica Plain before I move.

Just in case you don't know what JP has to offer:

source: http://www.dahubbub.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/j-pond-sailboat.jpg

 

source: http://parentimperfectct.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/jp-stores.jpg

source: http://blog.hotelclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/arnold-arboretum.jpg

source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3b/Jamaica_Plain_monument_2007.jpg