MINDFULNESS MATTERS: Summer Walking

by Rossvierlin Cajigas and Cynthia Runge

Easy to fit into a busy day, walking has physical and mental benefits.

Rossvierlin: With the everyday responsibilities of working, graduate school and life taking its course I often found myself putting my physical and mental wellness on the back burner. Starting my first year of law school in 2023, I saw that happen a lot. My assignments, readings, family and friendships came first. Even if that meant I was in a rut. One day in the summer I found the light to the end of that neglected wellness tunnel and it was simply, walking.

Walking is not only good for our physical health, but also for our mental health. Fitting in 10, 15 minutes or even more made an absolute difference. Walking allowed me to disconnect from all the noise and focus on what mattered, myself. On my walks I often listen to music, podcasts and other times I just walk in silence. I would use this time to reflect on my goals, on how I felt or sometimes just not think at all. It’s my sacred time that my body and mind desperately need and deserves.

Cindy: I recently rediscovered my Apple watch, which has a step counter. Now that the weather is warmer, I am motivated to get in my “steps”. Although I have a personal goal of trying to hit at least 10,000 per day, it doesn’t always happen (grin), but I keep at it. It does make a difference in my energy level and helps me get back to a place of calm. Sometimes I feel guilty when I can’t get to the gym if my week is particularly busy, but walking is something I can do at least in some capacity. Whether it is parking further away from my office, walking to Court instead of taking an Uber, taking the stairs, etc., these small actions individually don’t seem like much, but collectively they make a difference in one’s overall physical activity.

Rossvierlin: Here’s the beauty about walks! Walks do not need to be long, or glamorous. It can be in between your long study sessions, or during your lunch break. No special clothes required! You can be wearing athleisure or in your work uniform. Most importantly you can take your walk anywhere. It can be around the block, at the park, at the gym, even inside your house. The beauty of walking is that you can cater it to your needs. May we never be too busy to put ourselves first. Enjoy that walk, you deserve it!

This article appeared in our Summer 2024 Newsletter.