This past weekend I went on a run with a friend. I resort to running when I’ve crammed my life so full that I feel it’s necessary to expedite working out. My usual preference is for walking, which I’ve just returned home from.
Here are some of the things I saw on my walk:
- White and pink Dogwood blossoms. Dogwood trees have a distinct smell – sweet and earthy.
- A black and white cat tiptoeing through an overgrown corridor of leggy flowering grasses.
- A mockingbird trilling from a tree limb.
- Tightly packed azalea flowers flocking front porches.
This walk and yesterday’s yoga class were inspired by suggestions from two people whose wisdom I value. They suggested that in order to get everything I needed to done, I take a break. Different times call for different sorts of breaks, and lately I’ve needed a computer break. Like my friend, I’ve been losing productivity as one assignment blurs into the next. I’ve been losing sleep too and waking up with high or low blood sugars. These past couple days, stepping away and doing something slowly has made space for me to breathe – which, one could argue, is just another way to practice public health.
The Sweet Adventurer 
Yes! Long, slow walks are my favourite study break…though I usually go so I don’t feel so bad about the cupcake breaks.