May 19, 2024
By Sena Fidan
Staff Writer
Now that it is spring, students are looking for ways to embrace the warmer weather. While some may turn to sports or picnics in the park, walking is a simple yet powerful activity that often gets overlooked.
History teacher Ms. Schiraldi, who advises the Walking Club, said, beyond its physical benefits, walking can boost creativity.
“Walking just clears the air in your thought process,” Schiraldi said. “It helps with all types of thinking [and promotes] creativity.”
A 2014 Stanford University study examined the creativity levels of people while they walked versus while they sat. The study found that people’s creative output increased by an average of 60% while walking.
Schiraldi said walking allows her to work through the challenges she faces in daily life.
“[Walking] helps me refocus and… figure out what’s going to be the best way to deal with a situation,” Schiraldi said.
She said during their walks on LHS’ grounds, members of the Walking Club talk about problems and struggles they may not discuss otherwise.
“To bounce things off other students or bounce them off me… or anyone else that’s walking with us, it is just so good to get someone else’s perspective,” Schiraldi said.
“[Walking] helps me refocus and… figure out what’s going to be the best way to deal with a situation.”
Walking Club member senior Rola Mustafa said she helped collect signatures to start the club, which became official this school year.
“[The Walking Club] is for the kids [who] don’t want to just sit during lunch,” Mustafa said. “They want to be… doing something and meeting new people.”
In addition to attending the club’s monthly meetings, Mustafa said she enjoys going on daily walks around town.
“I love walking…. The best part of it is [that] your mind becomes quiet,” Mustafa said.
During their meetings, Mustafa said the club members form connections with each other.
“You get to meet a bunch of new people and make friends while you [walk],” Mustafa said.
She said walking is also a great way to stay physically active.
“I got up and I got to move my body, and I am not just sitting all day,” Mustafa said.
Whether she is outdoors or on her treadmill, English teacher Mrs. Paluzzi said she walks for 30 minutes every day.
“Walking gives me and helps me maintain a positive mindset,” Paluzzi said. “I feel accomplished in the sense that I motivated myself to exercise in a way that works for and is comfortable for me.”
Paluzzi said she uses her walks to clear her mind and reflect on her day.
“Walking, as well as any type of other physical exercise done safely, can only work to benefit one’s mental health and physical well-being,” said Paluzzi.
