I come from a big walking family. My mom and dad, who work from home, make it a point to go on at least three walks every day. And whenever I’m home, my mom is always insisting that I join her, whether I want to or not.
Tonight, after having dinner with my sister, it was dark and cold outside around 7 p.m. My sister begged me to go on a walk with her. Honestly? I did not want to. My back was sore, and I was so cozy at home. The idea of leaving that warmth for a chilly stroll sounded terrible.
But I went anyway.
We walked around the block and near the beach, the night air crisp against our faces and the sound of the water calming in the background. And suddenly, I started to feel better. My back didn’t hurt as much, my mind felt lighter, and I realized how much tension I had been carrying around all day. By the time we finished our short walk, I was calmer, more relaxed, and in a noticeably better mood.
Even here at Skidmore, I sometimes feel like I absolutely need a walk at night, whether to get out of my apartment, clear my head, or just let my thoughts flow. Walking gives me the space to reflect, think creatively, and develop new ideas. In fact, the idea of restarting the Skidmore Her Campus chapter came from moments like these by walking for hours around my neighborhood and even New York City, reflecting on whether it was worth bringing it back. Katie Wilds, the wellness editor of Skidmore Her Campus and a devoted walker herself, can definitely agree: walks, especially at night, are incredibly restorative.
Sometimes, the walks we don’t feel like taking are the ones that end up being exactly what we need. Even a short stroll around campus or near the water can boost your mood, help you relax, and leave you feeling more present in the moment. Have a nice walk!