Spring is finally here — can’t you feel it? The days are getting longer, the snow has melted, and there’s this quiet hum of possibility in the air. It feels like we’re getting another shot at a fresh start — almost like a second New Year’s resolution or the crisp, clean page of a new notebook. 

After months of winter hibernation, spring naturally calls for a reset. In Ayurvedic medicine, it’s the perfect time to detox and clear out stagnant energy. But let’s be real — a full-on detox is pretty intense. And there are lots of simple strategies to help you ease into the new season. One of my favorite ways to reset is surprisingly simple: just take a post-dinner walk. There's something about moving your body in the fresh spring air that helps shake off the heaviness of winter and makes room for more of everything—energy, happiness, cam, and so much more. 

It seems that walking is having its moment right now. My algorithm keeps sending me posts about it. Feeling blue? Grab your headphones and cue up your playlist. Weighed down by stress? Speed up and walk it off. Suffering from anxiety or digestive issues or just need to do some problem-solving? You guessed it. 

Walking is one of the easiest, most accessible forms of movement, and the benefits are pretty impressive, especially after a meal. Just getting outside helps you breathe better and when you add activity, you’ll feel energized and soothed all at once. That’s because walking floods your body with happy hormones (hello serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins!) while lowering your stress hormones (goodbye cortisol!). 

Believe it or not, a short 10- to 15-minute walk will transform how you feel. Don’t pause to overthink it or complicate matters with special equipment or fancy workout clothes (unless that’s your jam, of course—in which case, go for it). Personally, I like to just pull on comfy clothes, head out, and look forward to the benefits. Here are just a few.  

1. Walking Improves Digestion

I can’t stand that dreaded ‘after-dinner slump’. You know the feeling—the food was so tasty going down, but now it’s got you stuck on the couch. Well, a brisk walk around the block instantly lightens my load. The logic is scientific. Movement stimulates your digestive system by speeding up blood flow to your stomach, which reduces bloating. It also lowers blood sugar levels, preventing post-meal energy crashes while supporting balanced mood and metabolic health long-term.

Ready to swap bloating and sugar spikes for a steady stream of energy? Yes, please.

2. Walking Enhances Sleep Quality

I find that the older I get, the harder it is to drop into dreams and stay there.  Walking is my secret sleep weapon! By lowering your cortisol levels, the gentle movement makes it easier for your body to relax. Plus, walking releases serotonin—which your body converts to melatonin in the evening, sending your brain the message that bedtime is near. 

Keep this formula in mind: A relaxed mind + balanced hormones = better sleep.

3. Walking Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress

Shaking off stress after a long day does wonders for your being. Because walking outside—especially in natural light— releases happy hormones, your mood lifts. When I’m out walking, I remind myself to look up and around and to use all of my senses. I find the rhythm of my steps is meditative. That’s because the movement activates the parasympathetic nervous system (that’s the “rest and digest” mode, the opposite of fight or flight), which helps you feel calmer, more grounded, and able to problem-solve.

Why not use walking as your mental reset button?

4. Walking Supports Long-Term Health

It may seem like just an inconsequential stroll, but if your post-dinner walk becomes routine, it will change how you live and feel day to day. The activity may be low-impact but it is also high-reward! Walking helps reduce inflammation, supports cardiovascular health, and keeps your metabolism humming. Over time, it makes it easier to keep your weight in check, stay calm in challenging situations, and ultimately, enjoy a healthier lifestyle. I’ll take anything that offers that much promise in everyday life!

How to Make It Happen

Let’s make this easy. Just make the decision to walk after dinner three times a week to start. There’s no need to overcommit—life happens, and trying to do anything every single day can set you up to feel like you’re failing. We’re going for consistency here, not perfection.

Want to stay accountable? Try these tricks:

• Stick a checklist on your fridge and mark off each walk you complete.

• Download an app like Strava to track your walks (it’s fun, and you can get a hit of motivation from friends).

• Pair your walk with something you want to hear—your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook. (How about tuning into your friend Mel Robbins for a dose of the Let Them Theory? and P.S. The new Lady Gaga album is so good.)

• Get connected! If I have calls to make, I save them for when I’m alone and walking. Or I invite a friend along and we catch up in person.

And one more tip: don’t let the weather stand in your way. There’s a saying: There’s no bad weather, just bad wardrobe. If it’s hot or chilly, layer up. If it’s raining, grab a waterproof jacket with a hood. You’ve got this.

So, what do you say? Let’s put a literal spring in our step and make walking after dinner your new must-do activity. It’s easy, it’s free, and you’re going to feel amazing.

No excuses. Just  lace up and get out there. 🚶💖 

By: Stephanie Valentine, Holistic Nutritionist, Mental Health Wellness Coach, Clinical Hypnotist