When I was a kid, people used to use that phrase as a send-off, getting rid of someone who was being difficult. At the time, it was considered a rude dismissal and people would get offended.

Funny how times change. When I think of the ways we dismiss people today, I think inviting someone to take a stroll through nature might be one of the kindest things we could do.

Here’s why: When I’m acting belligerent, it’s usually because I’m feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or I feel like life is out of control. I’m acting belligerent because I’m reaching for control of any situations that I might be able to influence—often because I’m feeling that I’ve lost all sense of agency to influence anything.

Can you relate?

So when life feels out of control, when I feel overwhelmed, stressed, and tired, I’ve taken that old invitation to heart: I go for a hike. (OK, if I’m honest, I go for some hikes and when I don’t have the luxury of time, I go for walks.)

And I’ve been going for a lot of walks lately.

When I feel overwhelmed, a walk forces me into the rhythm of my steps. Walking invites me to listen to the sounds around me, from chirping birds to barking dogs, even to lawnmowers and automobiles—it gets me out of my thought cocoon and provides space for me to engage with the physical world.

And yep: I’ often deep in thought while attending to the rhythm and listening to the sounds. But as I’m thinking, I’m also looking at the sky, noticing the road in front of me, paying attention to trees and mountains and sidewalks and snails and dog poop and anything else that might cross my path.

This process helps me reset. It helps remind me that the world keeps going on regardless of what’s occupying my thoughts and emotions.

It reminds me that things are going to be alright, even if I don’t know the outcome.

So my invitation to you, whatever your current mental and emotional state is: go take a hike.

Or at least a walk.

Let it refresh your soul today…