This is one of those holidays when you sometimes it just won’t work, yet the concept is fantastic. Rather than fight traffic, celebrate National Walk to Work Day!

If work is too far away, just park your car farther from the office and walk the rest of the way. A good long walk is so therapeutic, just the thing you need as another stressful day of work winds down.

Make a social thing. Invite a friend or your spouse to join you on all or part of your walk. Enjoy the time outdoors—as well as the extra calories you will bun. Just think of it, instead of being stressed, you’ll be all mellowed out with those juicy endorphins coursing through your veins.

You’ll be able to concentrate better and be more productive. Besides, won’t it be nice to begin your day not feeling angry because you have to go to work and not be outside on a gorgeous day?

Photo by belisle

Today is a day worth celebrating for both your physical and mental health. Welcome to National Walk in the Park Day!

For me, this is the type of walking. I walk in the neighborhood and to town, but I don’t particularly like either one. It’s okay. I prefer the solitude and the sound of birds singing in the woods. It is like meditating as I fall into a rhythmic pace, swinging my arms to and fro.

I enjoy everything about it. During this time of year, I’m always looking for signs of spring wildflowers. Then, there are the birds, especially the spring warblers and my personal favorite, the rose-breasted grosbeak. Its song is one of the most beautiful you will ever hear while walking, at least I think so.

When stress is wearing you down or the job that you hate, forget all of that for a time. Enjoy the parks, the woods, the birds, and the freedom of being outside. It is Nature’s best medicine.

Photo by Paul A. Rose