Is walking in the night good?

Is it good to go walking at night?

Okay, so walking at night... yeah. I know it's good.

Last summer, ugh, July 2024, right after that disastrous family BBQ at my aunt Carol's? I was FUMING. I needed to blow off some steam.

I stomped out of her overly-air-conditioned house around 9 PM. Headed towards, ugh, Maple Street. My usual route.

It was still kinda light, but definitely evening. The anger was, like, bubbling inside me. My aunt’s comments ugh.

As I walked, something shifted. The crickets were loud, the air smelled like honeysuckle, and the street lights cast these long, eerie shadows. It was creepy. It made me forget (almost) about Carol.

My legs were moving. My brain wasn't exactly thinking. I just focused on putting one foot in front of the other. I felt less tense.

And the sleep? Oh man, I slept like a rock that night. Deep, dreamless sleep. Like someone hit the reset button on my brain.

It works. Walking at night is a cheat code for sleep, less anxiety. Aunt Carol? Well, she can keep her potato salad. I have my evening walks.

Here's what I've noticed:

• It helps if I'm stressed. (thanks, Aunt Carol!)
• Quiet is key. No loud music. No podcasts. Just nature, even in the city.
• Not a power walk. Just a gentle stroll.
• Safe streets, obvi. I carry pepper spray, unfortunately.
• Makes my dog happy (when I bring him, lol).

It is the best thing!

Should you walk in the night?

Walking at night? Depends on your priorities. Sleep troubles? Thirty minutes pre-bedtime, bam! Improved slumber. Metabolism needs a nudge? Nighttime stroll, your personal metabolic kickstarter. Stress got you down? Moonlight's your therapist.

But, let's be real. Is a vampire attack on your risk assessment? My chihuahua, Princess Fluffybutt III, certainly thinks so. She pulls me back faster than a startled squirrel.

Consider these points:

• Safety First: Are your streets safe at night? Duh. Don’t be a victim.
• Lighting: Adequate streetlights are crucial. Running into a tree while admiring the moon is, well, less than ideal. It happened to my cousin once. A rather large oak tree.
• Personal safety: Streetlights are nice, but situational awareness is better. Trust your gut. Remember the time I was almost abducted by a very friendly but quite large goose? Don't let that happen to you.

Bonus: Nighttime walks are fantastic for stargazing. Unless you live in, say, downtown Manhattan. Then you're stargazing at streetlights. Same difference, really. My astrophysicist friend is unimpressed. He thinks it is not a good hobby. I don't care.

Pro-tip: Invest in a good headlamp, just in case. And some really strong pepper spray, just in case a goose gets ideas.

Is it a good idea to walk at night?

Ugh, walking at night...good idea? I dunno. Sleep better? Maybe.

Okay, so a 30-minute walk before bed... supposedly helps you sleep. Sleep is good. Metabolism boost, alright, I'll take it. Is it really that simple?

Mental health, hmm. Reduces anxiety, could use that. Aids digestion? I had pizza, def need that. Remember that time I walked home at 3 am? Never again.

Relax the mind, yeah, that sounds nice. Walking is a chore though. Burn calories too? Eh, all right. My knee feels funny today.

Depression symptoms reduced? Sure, okay. Indigestion relief? Sign me up. Now I just need motivation. And a safe route. That alley is creepy.

Tips for a good walk… ugh, what are they? Do I really need to walk? Nah probably not. Gotta think about something to watch on tv instead.