It’s a beautiful time of year. The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, the flowers are blooming. It’s a wonderful time of year to observe nature “just do it’s thing”. With Earth Day coming up and to enjoy the season and what it has to offer, here’s a spring-walk checklist and five things to take with you.
One of my favorite things to do once spring rolls around is go for a spring walk. But, after going on several walks I’ve realized that being prepared certain things make spring walks better. To help you optimize your next spring walk, you’ll want to pay attention and make sure you do these five things.
Bring a Hoodie or a Jacket
During the spring months jackets may be optional, but I definitely recommend bringing a jacket on your next spring walk. There’s just no telling sometimes how the weather is going to be from one minute to the next. One minute the sun’s a blazing and it looks feel a preview of summer and another minute, the clouds roll in and you feel the spring chill. So take a light jacket with you on your next spring walk. You may even consider bringing a waterproof poncho if there’s rain in the forecast. If you end up not needing the jacket, you can just tie it around your waist.
Bring Some Support
This tip is an absolute if you are one of those people that suffer from seasonal allergies or have any other underlying lung conditions. Bring along allergy support like Clearlungs just in case you need it. The liquid variety has a slight sweet and orange flavor. It’s great if you have young kids or want to have something on hand that works quickly. I give it to my kids whenever they show acute allergy symptoms that need fast relief.
*Clearlungs helps to balance mucous levels and encourages free breathing. It’s made from a combination of Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs that aids in reduces toxins, lowering upper respiratory inflammation and making breathing easier.
If you need it, after the walk, it may be a good idea to clear out those nasal passages using a Neti pot as well.
Take Pictures
Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur, taking pictures of nature serve as a digital diary of your walks both past and present. Those pictures can serve as a digital scrapbook of sorts for when you feel down or may not be able spend time outdoors. Pictures are little snapshots of memories that stay alive long after your spring walk has passed. You can opt to take a fancy DSLR or point on shoot on your next spring walk but, in most cases, a smartphone works just fine.
Put Your Pictures to Work
Speaking of taking pictures, once you’re done taking pictures, there are several things you can do with them to have them go the extra mile. Upload pictures into an app or online digital platform to create framed pictures, drink coasters and even posters. There are also lots a great apps (some free and others paid), that you can use to upload pictures and help identify plants easily, no botany degree required.
I came across the app called Picture This in the app store and it’s been useful in identifying trees, plants, weeds, leafy plants and even potentially poisonous plants on walking adventures.
Bring the Right Shoes
One of the most important things you need for a great spring walk are a comfortable pair of walking shoes, preferably sneakers. Ideally, if you’re walking 30 minutes a day, 3-4 hours a week, experts recommended that you change your shoes every 6 months. Not changing your walking on a regular basis can lead to fractures and unwanted injuries. Check out the post that lists several options for walking shoes/sneakers which is a great place to start.
Embracing each new season is the first step in living intentionally and an actionable way to exercise wellness and wellbeing.
*Be sure to check your doctor or healthcare provider before making any supplements a part of your wellness regimen. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Original: April 18 2021 Updated March 23, 2022
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