10/21/2025
I read this article in my Daily motivation newsletter this morning and I thought it was very suiting for me to post since I love to walk and I lead Powerwalking groups. It also uses two of my favourite words, Positive and Action!
I hope this article inspires you to take a few minutes today (or more) to move. By the way, what you are about to read, you already know. All you have to do is apply it. 😉
One Positive Action: Stroll, Not Scroll
How many times today have you picked up your phone without even thinking about it? You're waiting in line, between tasks, or just sitting on the couch, and your hand reaches for it automatically. A quick scroll can feel like a break, but it rarely gives your mind what it actually needs. You end up overstimulated instead of rested, full of noise instead of calm.
The problem is scrolling doesn't actually rest your brain; it floods it with more information, more comparisons, more things to react to. Studies show that excessive screen time increases stress and decreases your ability to focus. You almost always put your phone down feeling more scattered than when you picked it up.
Here's a simple swap for you to try. When you reach for your phone out of habit, go outside instead. Step outside, even if it's just for a few minutes, walk around the block, stand in your yard, feel the air, notice the light, and pay attention to how your body loosens as you move. That simple change pulls your focus back into the real world and clears the mental fog that screens often create.
Walking activates your body in a way that helps regulate your nervous system. When you move, your brain releases endorphins and reduces cortisol. Being outside exposes you to natural light, which helps regulate your circadian rhythm and improves your mood. Walking gives your mind space to breathe and helps you process thoughts instead of avoiding them. Even a few minutes outside can reset your energy and make the rest of your day feel lighter.
The next time you catch yourself reaching for your phone out of habit, pause and take a short walk instead. No music, no messages, no phone; just you and the world around you. Notice what changes in how you feel. Let the movement bring you back to yourself.
