This post was written by Mary Elizabeth O’Toole
The phrase take a hike has taken on an idiomatic sense of dismissal “Beat it. I’m tired of talking to you. Go away. Take a hike.”
I am using it in the more traditional sense of taking a walk, getting out and exploring. Sometimes it is just necessary to get away from what you are doing to shake off the stiffness and clear the cobwebs. Taking a hike is good for both physical and mental fitness. It burns calories, gets the heart going, gives you energy, frees your mind, and in my experience quite often provides a chance to solve a problem or break a creative block. If nothing else it gives a new perspective.
A hike of this sort does not have to involve a trek. Walk around the room, around the house, around the neighbourhood – or suit up and go farther afield on a trail. Choose your own pace. Walk quickly or take it slow with frequent breaks.
Make it solo or social.
Walk alone …
… walk with family …
… or walk with friends (of the two- or the four-legged variety).
Walk anywhere you like. Near or far.
… on the beach …
… or in the woods.
Walk any time of the day. Early evening is one of my favourites!
Get up and get moving. It’s good for you and I can almost guarantee you will feel better if you do. I know I do. So, I hope you won’t take it the wrong way when I say TAKE A HIKE.
All photos taken by Mary Elizabeth O’Toole. Rights reserved. ©2014-2017
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