January 2026
There is talk around me of one of those January challenges this year – actually there are plenty of them. But the one I’m talking about for this post is the movement and outside one.
2 miles outside everyday – all in one sitting.
This article (really the picture) struck me years ago. Really it was the colors in the sky that pulled me. Only then did I realize that the prettiest lighting, the most jewel toned and pastel skies happen only in the winter. And I had to be outside to experience it.
Over the last three years (since I saw this article), there has been so much more scientific and just “normal human being” proof that exercise/being outside/walking is the best thing we can do for ourselves. It is better than any antidepressant known to man.
So why am I not going outside? Why am I not walking? Especially in the winter months when we all need all the help we can get?
It’s free, makes me feel better and has no side effects (unlike other pills I’ve been on to “help my mood” over the years.)
I pasted this article up in both my previous (both windowless) offices over the last two years. Still it feels like it’s been with me forever. It sits in my home office now (with a big window). I’m hoping it will be a gentle or not so gentle reminder (guilt sometimes works) to get outside.
Details from the article in the January/February 2023 Edition of Experience Life Magazine (because nothing is worse than a picture you can’t read/see the words):
Why?
Spending time in nature is good for our physical and mental well-being. It boosts mood and helps us de-stress. Plus, it strengths our immunity, encourages healing and enhances creativity.
How?
Start with just a few minutes outside to breathe deeply and set intentions. Any time of day works. But early-morning light helps align the body’s circadian rhythms for better evening sleep.
Take Action
Looking for support? Join our challenge! Discover resources and tips – and find our February channel – at ELmag.com/onehealthyhabit (this now links to the healthy habit archives)
Surprisingly, after years of dreading and disliking January, I now look forward to it. It is my opportunity to *gasp* enjoy winter – instead of hiding from it. It might even become my new favorite month in a few years which I would have scoffed at back in 2021.
Back to this 2 miles outside everyday thing. I listened to horror stories from friends about the ice, forgetting about the 2 miles until late in the evening, tracking/recording failures, all the things. For some reason, I was even more sold on the challenge AFTER that conversation than before they started talking about all the pitfalls. I did this informally in July (requiring up to 4 showers a day) – so I knew I could do it as it is going to take less time (because less showers.)
My brain was like “Here. It gets you outside, gets you connected, gets you challenged without it being too high a barrier to entry and gets you more creative.” Like it knew it needed to plug in the Take Action for me. I wasn’t necessarily sold but for some reason, I just kept coming back to it and my brain was happy when I was.
So I put my $$ down. Putting my money where I want my feet to go.
Doing my best to listen…even if it means walking in freezing temperatures…every day…for a month.