On Saturday, my family went on a long walk. It was cold and icy, and there was about an inch of snow and slush on the ground. Thankfully, it didn't rain. My son asked me if he thought we would get home before it was dark, and I said yes, but as we rounded the corner for the last five minute stretch the streetlights flickered on. 'You were wrong!', he pointed out gleefully.
'Just by five minutes.'
The sky behind us was on fire with a dramatic winter sunset. We kept stopping to turn back and to look as it darkened from salmon pink to crimson.
Walking truly is the best medicine.
My children are used to walking to and from school every day, no longer an option during Lockdown. Instead we do a quick circuit of our local park; or if the kids are feeling more adventurous, a walk to the local shops with the reward of a Gregg's sausage roll at the end of it. It requires a lot of nagging to get them out of the door, and and we don't always make it out in time to get back before it's dark. The odd time we don't make it out at all. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth the effort, but I persist. I have absolutely no doubt that a walk in the fresh air is absolutely the best thing we can all do to stay calm and on an even keel. Bad tempers are soothed, worries are eased and stress dissipates as we put one foot in front of the other. A quick walk around the block can be an absolute life saver.
When we haven't managed to get out during the day I'll try and motivate myself to go on a solitary evening walk in the dark. I pick a favourite podcast, put my headphones in and step outside. Listening to a podcast is good company, and the time goes by quickly. A riveting episode can even distract me from lashing rain and freezing winds. Phoning someone and talking to them as you tromp along in the wind and the rain with your head down and your hands in your pockets also makes the experience more bearable. I invariably come back feeling better than I did when I set out.
There have been multiple scientific studies into the many benefits of walking: it increases concentration, it lowers blood pressure, it produces endorphins. A walk in nature is even more beneficial. If you need something to make your child feel better, getting them to step out of the door and put one foot in front of the other is the best thing you can do. And bribing them with food, money or screen time are all absolutely fine.
Evidence on the power of walking: https://theconversation.com/physical-activity-is-good-for-your-concentration-heres-why-151143
Some great podcasts:
https://brenebrown.com/podcast/introducing-unlocking-us/
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab (start with the one about the octopus),
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