There is a magic in taking a walk with a good friend. One huge benefit is the talking, discussing, and laughing that happens as you enjoy the sunshine and get some exercise. Plus, having company makes a 2 to 3 mile walk go by in a flash!
When I get home from a walk and talk with one of my girlfriends or Den or Amanda, my energy is up, my mood is upbeat, and I just feel good. It's like a magical elixir.
Now, what can also make a walk even more fun is to stop for coffee along the way. I’m a sucker for a Cinnamon Crunch bagel at Panera with BFF Cindy, or a chocolate-iced vegan donut at Alien Donuts with Den, or an avocado toast with Trish at Schmooze. Or there is stopping by the nearby farm with Pat to see the animals, including alpacas, burros, goats, miniature brahmans, sheep and more. The key is keeping up with my friends' lives and enjoy learning new things as we banter. It is also about the ease of staying with a routine, a habit of getting exercise, that happens naturally because I want to connect with my friends and family!
Try this - Walk and Talk
During the week ahead, plan to get together with a friend or drag hubby out for a long walk. For starters, a one to two-mile walk is plenty of time to get in a good conversation. Here are a few ideas:
- Plan a route that can become a keeper, one that inspires you to get out even by yourself to walk.
- Make a date with a friend. Consider an early time to start your day off in a wonderful way.
- Check for places to stop for coffee if you both have time.
- If no one is available, do a walk and talk with yourself. Simply use your phone’s voice recorder to talk about things on your mind.
If the weather isn't the best, consider doing a Facetime or Zoom talk while you both walk on a treadmill or do yoga. Isn't it great to connect with your besties on a regular basis to uplift your mood and get you in shape?