I am not a huge, avid exercising sort of person. However, I am completely dedicated to my walks. The reality is, though, that walking emerged more as a way to stay sane and re-group as a parent than it did as any way of getting in a little daily movement.
When my three kids were quite small, I could fit them all in the Red Flyer wagon and we could go for a walk around the neighborhood. The physical exertion of pulling the three of them and the fresh air tended to break up any sort of “funk” we were getting in, change the scenery enough for them and give me a chance to move and release some tension. Now, getting out for a daily (at least) walk has become a great solace for me—a way to think and get a fresh perspective on work I may be doing, problems I may be facing, and just to get a break from the noise and chaos of our busy house.
I am quite lucky to live in a neighborhood that is only a short walk down well-paved trails to a large, winding river. The Pacific Northwestern city I live in is curved and tucked around a fine, fast river (like most towns in this part of the country) and we have bicycle and hiking trails all along both sides of the river—with many bridges crossing over throughout the city. I can get out and walk along the river without getting my sneakers muddy and the sound of the rushing water tends to drowned out the sounds of the city and the lingering sounds of teenagers squabbling and loud music.
I think that getting out for a brisk or lingering walk is one of the best ways a stressed parent can get a break. Whether your walk has an ulterior purpose (a trip to the store for milk or down to the video store) or not—just getting out, breathing in some fresh air, moving those arms and legs and have a few minutes where you can NOT be the parent on duty can be all you need to get things back in perspective.
See Also: Sneaking Some “Me” Time Into Your Day and