The challenges of everyday life hit us from various angles. Whether it’s the stresses of work life, a struggle in an interpersonal relationship, or the worry of a health problem, stray thoughts that stimulate worry, anxiety, or any other undesirable emotion consume a significant amount of energy. While electronic devices that are meant to connect us to our phones, the internet, and streaming entertainment grant us the ability to talk to our loved ones and friends, clock into work, or watch the highlights from our favorite sporting event when ever we want, this freedom to be connected to electronic devices such as cell phone, ear pieces, or smart watches can create stresses that can put our minds on information overload. It should go without saying that the revolution of AI and the acceleration of communication technology help us live more successful lives. However, just like many things in life, if we use these amazing features too much, we can become saturated with the overstimulating information technology available to us and miss out on some of the gifts our world offers when we are in an environment that allows thoughts, feelings, and actions to occur without the use of an electronic device supporting our every action.
An invaluable resource that every human is equipped with is the ability to take a walk around the block. Even if deadlines at work, a quarrel with our spouse, or news about the next terrible thing has been broadcast over our news updates on our phones, social media networks, or Fox News, we can all put our phones and smart watches on the counter, turn the TV off, and walk outside for a few minutes. Putting our phones on the counter and taking a walk outside can enhance our everyday quality of life in numerous ways that we don’t even notice until we step outside the door and leave the confines of electronic connection behind us for a few moments.
A simple walk around the block has the potential to keep joints moving and reduce joint pain, offer emotional solace from stressful situations, and burn a few more calories throughout the day. Sometimes the attachments to electronic devices that give us instant satisfaction via the ability to communicate with a text message, email, or phone call from our wrist or earpiece can keep us tethered to the need to check every alert coming from our connection to technology. Before we know it, a simple rabbit hole of answering a few text messages on our smartwatches can lead to viewing the vast array of notifications that come with using the interface of our cellular devices. We can develop an attachment and dependency on our electronic devices, making it challenging for people to disconnect from them. The very thought of leaving one’s phone outside of their car is considered taboo. Some people think we can’t operate our lives without a phone. However, we can take a walk without a phone, avoiding the distractions of answering text messages, replying to emails, or taking a phone call. If we take the phone watch off, set the earpiece on the counter, or put the phone on silent and set it next to our nightstand, and then take a walk, the cellular device will still be there when we return. I promise.
Give yourself the gift of detaching from the confines of technology and take a walk. Take a look at the trees, birds, and the beautiful Northern California countryside in which we live. There are very few areas in the world that have the majestic natural beauty that Napa is blessed with. Don’t look down at your phone or watch; look up at the blue sky, the mountains, and the greenery of redwood trees and vibrant green vineyards. This simple act of walking to remind us how good we have it and taking a moment away from our technological connections has the power to reinforce our bodies, free up psychological and emotional bandwidth, and open up a different part of the mind that might have been put on hold. Give yourself the gift of walking with the purpose to live a happier, healthier, and stronger life.
Sean McCawley, the founder and owner of Napa Tenacious Fitness in Napa, CA, welcomes questions and comments. Reach him at 707-287-2727, napatenacious@gmail.com, or visit the website napatenaciousfitness.com.