At the beginning of every week in 2013 I’ll be sharing a different way to get happy for FREE. Being happy doesn’t cost anything except your decision to try. I show you how I got happy that week and hope to inspire you to do the same. Join my Get Happy for FREE challenge, you have nothing to lose and a whole lot of smiles to gain!
This has been one rough winter in Boston. That pic above is not in the country, it’s not far out in some back woods, it’s in front of my house. My house in the city. We have had substantial snow every weekend for the past three weeks.
If you’ve ever stayed inside your home for an extended period of time, you’ll notice some things happen:
- Cabin fever.
- Boredom.
- Depression.
We know exercise is good for our mind and body. But what about just a simple walk? Not power walking, not treadmill, just getting around your neighborhood a bit on foot?
According to About.com and CNN Health, research has shown that walking, even at a slower pace, will improve people’s mood for the better. Just one 30 minute walk may make you feel better when you’re down.
Week 7:
We are going to walk.
No excuses.
I took everyone out for a walk after the worst blizzard Boston had seen since 1978. If I can take 30 minutes to bundle up everyone just to get out the door, you can do it too!
This is from our walk a couple weeks ago, but since then I’m making an effort to get us all outside no matter the weather. I usually walk out the door grumbling because it takes so long to get out, but I always come back thankful and content that I went out.
We packed all three kids on the sled. So, technically, they didn’t walk.
This is the playground we usually take them too. Anyone thirsty?
Go for a walk. No excuses! I went walking in 4 foot high snow. Be purposeful when walking. Think positive thoughts, enjoy the scenery, take it all in. It’s all part of the experience.
JOIN THE CHALLENGE!
- Go for a walk then come back and tell me about it in the comments by 3/2 11:59 p.m. EST.
- I will pick one winner via random.org from all eligible comments. I’ll announce the next $5 Amazon Code winner in my weekly email that goes out every Sunday. Make sure you are a subscriber or you won’t know you won!
- If you win and are a blogger or want a link to your site or Instagram account mentioned in the newsletter be sure to snap a pic that represents this week’s challenge!
- Tag me on Facebook OR on Instagram with the pic!
- This giveaway is sponsored by me alone. I just enjoy motivating you to get happy!
Other posts in the 52 Ways to Get Happy for FREE Series:
- Week 1: Focus on Relationships
- Week 2: Go Somewhere New
- Week 3: Try a New Food
- Week 4: Spend Time Alone
- Week 5: Write to Someone
- Week 6: Smile
- Week 7: Take a Walk
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Hi! I'm Isra, aka The Frugalette. I took my family from fancy to frugal in 3 years, with 3 kids and 1 income, oh and found the meaning of life too! To read more about my fancy life gone frugal, 
I love your series! I definitely don’t take as many walks as I should.
I ALWAYS feel happier after a walk – even a short one! It’s supposed to rain & hail until Thursday but then I’ll be getting our family out for a walk, for sure
I’m lucky enough to live in CA, so we have lots of sunny days even in the winter and the temps stay comfortable. It’s harder to walk in the winter because of the short days, but my hiking partner and I try to meet at least once a week and walk the lake downtown.
I do miss SoCal! I really took it for granted when I lived there..but I am enjoying the change of season here too.
You’ve got a TON of snow!!! We’re in MI and although we’re averaging more snow than normal, we’re only getting a few inches at a time. Our largest snowfall this year was like 6″
This winter was really unusual! We did get a lot more then usual.
I really love walking when the weather is nice but I hate it when it’s cold out. Since I’m in Vermont, I find at least 5 months out of the year I don’t walk as much as I’d like.
I know what you mean, it is really hard to get motivated to go out.
I love walks. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Its such a great pick me up and energy boost! Wears out my toddler and puppy too. Thanks for sharing.
It’ great for getting the kids to sleep just a little earlier.
I guess I cannot complain about it being too cold to walk anymore. We don’t have any snow here – I need to get out!
Just a quick walk Kecia!
I took a visiting friend on a hike through a nearby valley for this week’s challenge! Your snow pictures are making me shiver– I hope mine will help warm you up a bit!
http://shalomsweethome.com/2013/02/28/go-take-a-hike/
The baby, dog & I love to go on regular walks. Baby loves to wave to everyone (even dogs, haha!) and the dog loves being outdoors! It’s good exercise for me too because I have to pull the wagon. Here’s a photo:
http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/885b7d626fac11e29f5b22000a1fbc74_6.jpg
When we bought our new home in Ohio we wanted to have a lot of land. We ended up with 15 acres. There are paths mowed throughout the property and I love to walk them. The view from the top of the hill at the back of our property is gorgeous and a good reminder of the positive things that have come from this move. It is nice to just get out in nature and relax and it is even nicer it is my own back yard.
I don’t mind walking in the snow so much as the rain – you know you’re coming home with soaked pants with the rain. Plus, it is always grey and depressing – with snow (and I know if doesn’t snow much here in Vancouver, but I lived in Calgary Alberta for 14 years and we never had snow days for school because everyone lived close enough to walk, even after blizzards) it is at least bright. I remember bundling up 6 months out of the year when it was freezing out and no one shoveled their sidewalks, and the field i crossed to go to school. . .I’d pretend I was in the middle of no where in Antarctica or somewhere with all that snow!
Your walk looked really cold. Burr! I took the kids on a walk the other day. It was so nice to get out of the house and stroll around the neighborhood.
Usually, I go to the post office when my son is at school because it’s quicker. However, this week I decided to change it up a bit.
I picked my son up from preschool and we went to the post office and then walked down the road to the beach. It was sunny (but far from warm!), my son was so excited to be at the beach again! He talked about what he was going to do in the summer when he can bring all of his toys to the beach!
If he remembers every type of sandcastle that we’re going to build this summer, I’m going to be quite busy! Thanks for the inspiration – and encouragement to change up my routine, too!
What gorgeous pictures! And you are right. Taking a walk does make you happy!
Dawn
I just can’t get over all the snow you’ve had up there this winter. I try to go for a walk every day, although it’s not quite as enjoyable when it’s freezing outside.
Wonderful pictures!
I enjoy walking and bringing my camera along for the trip.
This honestly answered my dilemma, thank you!
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Oh my I am so jealous of the snow. I wish Colorado would get a snowstorm like that, minus all the problems of course. Walking sounds like a great idea and as Spring seems to be hitting my boys and I will love exploring and seeing what is coming up.