The Most Definitive List of Reasons to Go for Walks Alone You Will Ever Find or Ever Need

Hi there. I live in a place that is new to me. This means I spend a lot of time alone. I am alright with this most of the time. Besides all the other “normal” things that one might do alone, I also enjoy going for walks a solo. If you, too, find yourself without a companion to share your walks with, here are some encouraging arguments for going it alone.

1.It’s Quiet.

Well. It kind of depends on where you live, but most likely you’ll find a least one moment during your walk (which I sincerely hope is in the woods or other some such unbuilt environment) when the white noise of the traffic, planes, people, and general electronics in our world is gone. This is a god damn miracle, so enjoy it.

2.You Have a Moment to be Selfish

You know that thing that’s bothering you about work? You know that goal you’ve been thinking about but haven’t been able to really set your mind on? Still haven’t figured out a plan for the next few weeks let alone years of your life? Take a moment to be a little self-obsessed and just chew on all that for a moment. You’re already exercising, so why not use that brain of yours to do some self-processing as well?

3. You Can Go Any Pace You Want

Ah, yes. The exercise thing again. If you do enough walking, you have doubtless found yourself in both the situation when you want to go faster than your companion, and when your companion is ruthlessly leaving you in their dust. Both situations are clearly not fun and can lead to a whole bucketload of frustration, leaving you less content than when you started your walk. When you’re alone, if you want to knock the socks off your walk and go like a bat out of hell, you can do it! If you feel like all hell that day and you just need to walk five steps then look around you and/or sit down for a minute, you can do it!

4. Brainstorms

I don’t know about you guys, but my brain just churns out the ideas once my feet get moving.

5.Farts

All that moving that you’re doing is really getting your system goin’! Your lymphatic system is all cleared out, and inevitably, other parts of your basic survival mechanisms are going as well. Let it all out! Fly your farty freak flag! No one is around to be offended by the sound or the smell! Heaven. It’s not good to hold it in, you guys.

6. Other Inappropriate Noises

Yeah, ever feel like burping or groaning or grunting while you’re walking but have had to maintain your exterior appearance of polite coolness in company? I’m not trying to make us out to all be neanderthal’s whilst walking, but rather I am highlighting the relative freedoms that may be enjoyed during alone time in the woods.

7. Talking to yourself

Back to the self-processing thing. You might be working something out in your head, I mean, really gnawing on some problem you’re having or whatever, and, you know, sometimes phrases just slip out. I, for instance, find myself trying to translate random spanish phrases in my head, usually for absolutely no reason, and then, suddenly I’ll say it right out loud. It’s usually something completely unrelated too, such as, “I have to take my dog to the vet.” Do I have to explain my brain to my companions when I’m out there? No, I do not. Because I am alone.

8.Singing to Yourself

This might be getting into more personal list items, but along with talking to yourself, you can sing yourself up the hill to your hearts delight and no one will be around to judge you.I can’t take any responsibility if someone suddenly comes around the corner though. Hopefully they’ll compliment you on your beautiful voice!

9.Taking a Leak

This one is possibly more significant if you are a person who has to squat to pee. Those who have the luxury of stand-peeing may take the satisfaction that comes with peeing outside for granted. Peeing with your pants down is simply less convenient. I have heard from many others about the ineffable pleasure of peeing with a view. If you haven’t tried it, I recommend it. Just make sure you find a nice, secluded place where you won’t be unpleasantly surprised with your pants down.

There you have it. Next time you have an extra moment during your lunch hour, or you’re trying to get yourself outside after a long day at your indoor job but can’t find anyone who will go with you, I hope you’ll remember this list and be encouraged on your journey.

-Molly