My current commute is about 15 paces compared to the 15 minute walk it once took me to get to my desk in a traditional office setting. I used to love that 15 minute walk in the morning. It would relax me before what could be a long day in front of the computer. Fresh air is always a good thing for someone who is in an office for 8 to 11 hours a day.
Currently at a minimum I try to take one ~10 minute walk per afternoon. That’s it, just 10 minutes. Here are some things I accomplish during those 10 minutes:
- Listen to part of a podcast
- Just zone out and take in the scenery and fresh air
- Think about whatever is on my mind
- Pet random golden retrievers that run over to me
- Meet neighbors
- Check the mail
People who work from home can get stuck in a groove. Wake up, walk over to computer, maybe leave their work station to use the bathroom and eat food, but that’s it. No running outside to grab a coffee with a coworker. No walking across the office to attend a meeting. No walk to the water cooler and 10 minute chat break. No long walk home or to the parking garage.
When I started working from home, I started slacking in the walking department. Walking was no longer a necessity. I had to prioritize it like other things that are important but we tend to let fall by the wayside when things get busy (or we get lazy). See below for what the Mayo Clinic lists as benefits to walking:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Improve your mood
- Improve your balance and coordination
I agree with all the benefits listed above and the benefit I feel most is improved mood for sure. Walking, which I find highly enjoyable, is a no-brainer when you add in all the benefits. For people that work inside all day, I’m sure we’re lacking a little in the Vitamin D and fresh air departments as well.
I don’t just take my walks during the work week either. Weekends are a great time to go for an even longer walk which can be enjoyed alone or with some companionship. Being inside all day while the sun is shining can give people a little case of cabin fever. Going outside is a nice, easy way to get out of the house and come back feeling refreshed and ready to finish the day on a high note.
So get out there and take a walk today, I know I will.
Could not agree more. My office used to be an uphill 15 minute walk from my house and is now a 15 minute drive. One of the things I’ve done to take up the slack is use a standing desk. It really does get me off my butt and has made it more likely to stroll the office hallways (hey, I’m up anyway). It’s not the same as the uphill to work, downhill home routine, but it is something.
I need to try one of these standing desks!
My wife works from home most days and I require her to get outside at least once. She likes to, but can get so wrapped up in work she can forget. I, on the other hand, have been gradually making my walks longer and longer because I don’t want to return to my desk. I’m out for 30 or 40 minutes at lunch now, walking along the popular path by the river. I’ll go out in the worst weather, too, when there’s no one else out. If I stay inside, I get depressed.
You’re a trooper. My walks start to fade with the weather. But you just gave me the kick in the pants to go on a walk today even though it’s snowing and cold.
I spend entirely too much time sitting at a desk in work and in the car commuting back and forth, so I try to take a walk with my wife in the evening when I get home. It helps us get some exercise and have a little alone time too.
Agreed on the alone time. Let’s you think about whatever is on your mind with no distractions.