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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

"I went for a walk to clear my head"

87 replies

StarShop · 26/12/2019 21:18

What does that mean? Not scenrio specific but when I walk I think:

My jeans are falling down don't wear these ones again to walk in

Oh a person, awkwardly avoid eye contact

Noome around, its quiet, I could get raped/mugged/murdered.

Ooh I really need to work on my fitness

So basically, I don't clear my head at all, would love to know if anyone can describe what the phrase means for them!

OP posts:
Thelnebriati · 26/12/2019 21:20

I get cabin fever if I'm stuck indoors too long, a bit of exercise and fresh air works wonders.

Ragwort · 26/12/2019 21:21

I agree, never really known what that expression means.

I love going for a walk, at this time of year it’s to get away from family & visitors and to have some time to myself ... maybe that’s what is meant?

QueenofPain · 26/12/2019 21:22

Completely agree OP, I am far to present in my own head with all my thoughts and vague sensory annoyances to ever return from a walk feeling “clearer” and somehow mentally better.

IndianaMoleWoman · 26/12/2019 21:22

I feel like I want to do my 10,000 steps but equally I feel like I’m going to be murdered every time I go out walking. Maybe I need to move to a less urban area.

ellesbellesxxx · 26/12/2019 21:23

I always feel refreshed, invigorated... me time and fresh air/exercise :)

NeutralJanet · 26/12/2019 21:23

I've spent all day indoors and feel a bit fuzzy and lethargic now. I need to get out and get some fresh air tomorrow.

Teachermaths · 26/12/2019 21:24

Just means getting fresh air and time to yourself.

ElloBrian · 26/12/2019 21:24

Generally it means that I enjoy having the time to think. Perhaps if you’re not someone who is overly troubled by the need to think, that might sound puzzling to you.

Inanothertime · 26/12/2019 21:24

It means two things here:

A) You're pissing me off and I need time alone to calm down a bit/stop feeling irritated
Or
B) I've been stuck in all day and I need fresh air, got cabin fever/ Feeling restless.

Stegosaurus1990 · 26/12/2019 21:25

I do exactly this, fresh air, change of scenery and head space from the kids is a brilliant medicine for me.

MarinaMarinara · 26/12/2019 21:25

I get horrible cabin fever if cooped up indoors all day (house/office/wherever) and can literally feel my forehead un-tense and the stiff muscles in my shoulders relax as I walk. I feel calmer and much more able to cope with anything. Sometimes I walk alone, sometimes with the dog and/or one or both of the DC (in the pushchair or sling if it’s the youngest).

Sounds like you may need comfier clothes and somewhere nicer to walk though from your OP!

Thesearmsofmine · 26/12/2019 21:26

It means to escape and think things through in different surroundings.

DaphneFanshaw · 26/12/2019 21:26

I love a good walk, It blows the cobwebs away.
I feel antsy and strange sometimes if I have been inside or in one place for a while.
Getting out being in a different environment and fresh air just makes me feel refreshed.

Evilmorty · 26/12/2019 21:26

I walk for mental health. To see the sky. The horizon. To feel a different temperature. I live near a lake, the water is relaxing.

Sometimes a good walk is exactly what you need to chew over something you’ve been thinking about.

OddBoots · 26/12/2019 21:28

It doesn't always work but often my brain works better when walking, if I have a task to undertake and I need to work out what order to do what I can plot it out better when on the move.

Other times I like to have one earphone in and listen to an audiobook or podcast which lets me have a walk and shake out the physical tension in my body without overly taxing my brain.

Pumpitt · 26/12/2019 21:28

I get these thoughts i keep walkibg then there is silence and autopilot walking then whats worrying me or the solution or the thing i actually feel in my gut pops up like sun emerging from behibd the clouds. English is not my first language and when i first heard that expression it just clicked. Its exactly what happens when i go for a walk alone.. i love it.

HarrietSchulenberg · 26/12/2019 21:28

Bilateral stimulation, or walking therapy, does help clear your head. Something about the repetetive, rhythmic action and fresh air, change of scenery.
I walked several miles every night when my eldest teen was being vile. Did me the world of good, and the dog loved me for it as he came too.

Mehmehmeh19 · 26/12/2019 21:28

Time to breathe. I think absolutely nowt. Listen to pod casts. Smile at darling dog. If I cant take the dog for about an hour. I really don't feel happy with myself.

I mean don't feel in a good head space

billybagpuss · 26/12/2019 21:29

I can, if I’ve had a difficult time I can play out whole scenarios in my head (often imaginary conversations with my dd when she was being awful as a teenager) usually they’re all utter rubbish and very far fetched but by the time I get home I’ve played it out and I’m over whatever annoyed me. Ww3 has been prevented many times by a good walk.

Ohyesiam · 26/12/2019 21:29

To me it means I’m using my body, which always feels good , im breathing fresh air, ditto.
I’m on my own so my batteries are being recharged. I’m in nature which to me is one of the most life enhancing things i know. I love weather, I love the seasons. Even when I’ve been in the depths of despair, hoping for s as walk has always made me feel better, even if it’s just for as few moments.

It’s positive all round .
Totally get that it’s not the case for everyone

Pumpitt · 26/12/2019 21:29

When you meditate you get that white noise of thoughts and distractions then you get into the zone.. its a meditative experience for me and you can take the mick all you want Grin

thirstyformore · 26/12/2019 21:30

I run to clear my head. Just me, music or a podcast, and fresh air. No kids asking questions, jobs to do, calls or texts to answer. My mind wanders, I appreciate the scenery/outdoors and I come back feeling relaxed.

Love it.

MsAwesomeDragon · 26/12/2019 21:30

I need to get out every day. If I don't get it for a walk of some sort I feel sort of fuzzy. I don't cope well with being indoors all day. So for me, going for a walk might mean I have all those thoughts you have, but I've also had some alone time in the fresh air, which stops the fuzziness in my head.

I also like to listen to an audiobook on my walks, so I don't actually have much of an inner monologue going on, more an interest in the story. I live in an area where I feel safe as well, and walk through nice wooded areas or parks where the majority of people I met are dog walkers. And I play a game on my phone (not Pokémon Go but similar) as I walk, so it keeps my interest.

FGSJoanWhatsWrongWithYou · 26/12/2019 21:31

Walking outdoors helps me think through problems more easily. It's like a magic soothing rationalising potion. When struggling with a work problem I'll often go outside and walk a lap or tow of the park.

If I'm cross or upset, walking outside helps me to release the emotion and keep things in perspective. The suns still shines, rain is still wet, squirrels are cute at a distance but creepy up close (that one might just be me though). My head clears of emotional fog.

stripeypillowcase · 26/12/2019 21:32

it gives time to think.
without having to do something (in the house), without talking to housemates, no phone. just letting the thoughts wander from one banalitiy to another (nice garden, oh I never noticed this huge tree...)

tbh it's great for mental and physical health (for me) and I would literally go crazy if I didn't get 20 min like that every day.