The Secrets to Happiness: Secret #4

It's time for another Not-So-Secret Secret already?

Well, we're sticking with the physical and the obvious. No reason to change our M.O. just yet, but we're getting close.

What would be simple for most of us to do, free, and can be done practically any time?

Walk

Excellent guess. No reason to run, bike, jog, or sprint unless you like doing that or you already do that regularly. Just go outside (or inside if you have a building big enough, like a mall or large office building) and walk. You don't have to speed walk, you don't have to hit a certain distance over a certain time. Just go walk for ten minutes or so. More if you want.

Wear your usual sun protection if it's midday. Carry an umbrella if its raining (there's is nothing like a walk in the rain under an umbrella with your significant other, unless you fight over who holds the umbrella and what angle it needs to be tilted.) Wear a parka and boots if its snowy and cold. I wouldn't walk in a thunderstorm or a hurricane though.

I also don't recommend making this an event in and of itself. Boring. Walk the dog if you have one. Take a family member or all of them and chat. They could use a walk, too. Feel free to say "Hi" to neighbors that are outside. Stop and talk if they seem inclined. Tell them you're just going for a stroll. If they express an interest, maybe they can join you on some days.

My wife, Jocelyn, walks with one or more of her friends when the weather is cool. She always feels energized and upbeat after a walk.

Take a water bottle if you plan on being gone for awhile. No reason to feel thirsty and make this a chore.

If you already walk regularly, let's hear how you feel the rest of the day. If you take an inaugural walk after reading this, share your story. Enjoy and look both ways before crossing the street.