Walk to the Mailbox

On a fairly regular basis I try to to walk to the mailbox at work. This is primarily to get me up out of my seat to get moving. The mail comes late in the date — usually around 2–3pm — and by that time I’ve been sitting for a while and my eyes are often starting to cross. I find I’m less productive during that time and so a walk to the mailbox helps wake me up and distract me . . . in a good way.

As well, the walk helps me get some steps in. I have a goal of 10,000 steps each day, and the longer I sit during the middle of the day the harder it is to get those steps in for the day. Besides that, the fresh air is nice and helps me wake up.

That little bit of exercise (if it can even be considered that) only lasts for about 5 minutes. But I find it so helpful and necessary.

It helps to redirect my focus in the middle of the afternoon. Usually by this point I’ve eaten lunch and am starting to feel the effects of what in other cultures could be considered reason for siesta. (Actually, that doesn’t usually sound too bad to me.) But if my boss or coworkers or next appointment caught me sleeping in my chair or on the floor next to my desk it probably wouldn’t go so well.

So, I walk to the mailbox.

But another thing happens, too. Not only do I feel physically drowsy and a bit distracted, but very often times I find…