14. Walk
Just walk around. It’s nice out, maybe. Get some steps in. Clear your head. Get some activity into your day.
You can listen to a podcast. Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings if there are cars or small children around, but it’s an appropriate time to consume some audio information without distraction. It’s like being in your car, except you’re not contributing to climate change.
You can let your mind be at peace. There’s something about getting in touch with nature that just kind of cleanses the soul. Look at that cool tree. Oh my god, is that a deer? I bet that leaf on the ground that has been drying on the sidewalk for a while would make a pleasing crunch sound if I step on it. Wow. It did.
You can walk with another person. No phones or TVs to get in the way of a conversation. It’s just you, and your partner, and whatever thoughts you both bring to the table. It’s one of those times you’re taking in an experience together, and that can lead to more fruitful talks than ones you could otherwise have just sitting in a room together.
You can do it on a treadmill too. It’s less exciting, but at least it’s something. We’re not meant to be still all day. A sedentary lifestyle leads to all sorts of health complications, both physical and mental. This is doing your body a solid.
There are no real downsides to just going for a nice walk. Unless you can’t physically do it for some reason. Then don’t.