Clearing My Head: How 20 Minutes Changed My Mornings

Most mornings, I start my walk with my head in a jumble. Sadness, worries about the tasks ahead, the state of the world—everything feels unsettled. My thoughts tangle into a knot that seems impossible to loosen. But as I take those first steps, something changes. Walking acts as a catalyst. The emotions flow more freely, and I start untangling that mental web.

Fifteen minutes in, there’s a noticeable shift. I’ve read somewhere that being outside in nature can lift your mood within that timeframe, and it’s funny how often I find it to be true. Today, like many days, it happened right around the 20-minute mark.

The morning started dark and drizzly, a common scene in Shetland’s winters. But as I walked, approaching the office, I noticed how visibly brighter it had become. Little by little, the days are getting longer, and even small changes in light feel like a gift.

It’s during these walks that I start noticing the little things: the architecture of the buildings I pass, the puddle of water on the ground, the waves gently lapping against the pebbles, or the delicate bits of lichen I pick up after a storm. I have a habit of holding on to these fragments of nature—sometimes arranging them, sometimes just leaving them on my desk. They serve as quiet reminders of the morning walk, symbols of the clarity I found before my mind begins to wander again and things start to tangle up once more.

I often wonder about people who dive straight into their workday, carrying that mental knot with them. Where does it go? For me, starting my day without walking feels almost impossible these days. Those 20 or 30 minutes are often the most meaningful part of my day. They’re a chance to pause, to breathe, and to make space for myself before the rush begins.

So, here’s a little gratitude—for the walk, for the light, for the small details that anchor me. For the chance to begin each day fresh, in a way that feels purposeful and happy.

If you’re reading this, I encourage you to find a moment for yourself—whether it’s a walk or something else that grounds you and brings you joy. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated or grand, just a few minutes for yourself. That simple act of carving out time can make all the difference.

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