The Secret to Staying Sane

At a recent baseball game, while cheering on the kids and swatting away black flies, I found myself deep in conversation with another mom. She asked me the question so many of us quietly wonder: “How do you stay sane?”

Her partner’s drowning in work, and she’s coaching on top of her day job—which means on game days, everything has to wrap up by 3 p.m. Sound familiar?

My answer surprised her. “I walk. That’s my secret.”

I get up early, even when I haven’t slept well. Especially then, actually. I lace up my sneakers, grab the leashes, and my girls—my two sweet pups—pull me out the door before the rest of the house stirs. Some days I listen to podcasts; other days I just let the quiet wash over me.

She smiled and said, “You’re right! When we had a dog, she would always take her for a walk. It’s such an easy thing.” And it is. It’s easy to do—and easy to forget just how powerful it is.

In fact, research backs it up:

• According to the Mayo Clinic, brisk walking can help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure, and improve your mood and coordination.

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• A 2020 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that even just one hour of walking a day can reduce the risk of depression by 26%.

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• And the American Heart Association says a daily walk lowers stress, boosts immunity, and enhances overall well-being.

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But here’s the best part: it’s quiet.

My girls and I pass familiar faces every morning. They wag their tails for attention from our regular crew, and we stop for a pat or a quick hello. There are treat stations with fresh water along our route, and several little free libraries where I’ve both borrowed and left books.

There are also two young girls we pass on the way to the bus stop. One of my dogs—who used to be skittish and would hide behind me—is now so eager to see them she pulls me over. She’s transformed from a shy, scared rescue into a confident, tail-wagging girl who greets them with excitement. Watching that confidence blossom has been one of the most unexpectedly joyful parts of this ritual.

And this time of year? There's plenty of time to stop and smell the lilacs in bloom—and for the dogs, the fire hydrants.

Sure, some mornings I’m tempted to skip it. Like today—after a restless night, the alarm felt more like a punishment than a helpful tool. But I dragged myself out anyway, because I know my day will be better if I start it walking.

Before emails. Before the coffee. Before the rest of the house even turns on a light.

That’s my secret.