Monday Move
A Simple Workout That Makes a Huge Difference
Go back to basics for your body and brain
I had a big and difficult decision to make last week, and as the little bubble of anxiety in my gut grew bigger and bubblier as the deadline approached, I could just feel it in every cell: I had to move. I was accomplishing absolutely nothing by refreshing Twitter and checking for new Slack DMs, and my body knew my only option was to expel the nervous energy on a walk.
I downloaded a calming playlist, set off on a brisk pace, and spent a few minutes just moving fast, breathing deeply, and doing a body scan to tap into the present moment. I’m not a big meditator, but I knew I could use this walk for something more than just exercise, and those brief moments of mindfulness were enough to bring me back to myself. I trudged up the hilly paths of Green-Wood Cemetery, noticing the small buds appearing on the trees and reflecting on just how different this spring might be from the last one. I marveled that all of this — fresh air, green spaces, movement — was free, right there for the taking whenever I needed it. I knew I’d be okay no matter what final choice I came to.
I know this is annoyingly simple — go for a stupid walk! — but sometimes in moments of crisis those basic tenets of self-care (drink some…
